AMC2010 - Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome from
Chief Executive Officer
Wikipedia describes Orientation and
Mobility as a profession which focuses
on instructing individuals who are blind
or visually impaired (sic) with safe and
effective travel through their environment.
It goes on to say that O&M Instructors can
work for schools, government agencies or
do private contracting for their services.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is neither a school,
government agency or private contractor.
Nonetheless, we are a leading provider of
Orientation and Mobility services, and as
host of the 4th Australasian Orientation
and Mobility Conference I welcome all
delegates, particularly those who have
travelled some distance to be here.
Much has happened in the world of
O&M since the last AMC conference in
Perth in 2007. The rapid development
and availability of digital technology and
GPS applications has the potential to
revolutionise the way our clients interact
with their environments, challenging service
providers such as Guide Dogs to review
and refine their training programs.
This conference is an invaluable opportunity
for O&M professionals to share their
ideas and practical experiences, thereby
spreading knowledge and generating
important discussion on how our
profession will meet the future mobility
needs of people with impaired vision.
I hope you find the conference stimulating
and that you will return safely to your
homes with fresh insights and new friends.
Graeme White
Chief Executive Officer
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and
Guide Dogs Victoria
4
Welcome from
Conference Convenor
On behalf of the AMC2010 Committee,
I welcome you to the 4th Australasian
Orientation and Mobility Conference.
We hope that while you are here you
will enjoy the many opportunities this
conference brings for continuing education,
meeting friends (old and new) and enjoying
the many experiences of the wonderful city
of Sydney.
I would like to thank Dr John Black, Client
Services Manager, Guide Dogs
NSW/ACT, for providing the initial direction
for this conference. His vision was for a
conference that provided opportunity for
professional development and, through a
forum discussion format, opportunity for
interaction and peer-learning.
The hardworking members of the
AMC2010 Committee have turned the
vision into reality and remained patient
through all the preparations. I thank them
wholeheartedly. The skills we gain in our
profession, including being self-motivated,
determined and working together for
a common goal, have been clearly
demonstrated by this group of people.
Finally, I thank the presenters and
workshop leaders who have volunteered
their time and energy, without whom there
would be no conference.
The success of this conference depends
largely on the enthusiastic participation of
all delegates during the interactive forums.
I encourage all delegates to become
involved by asking questions, adding
their own experiences, challenging
assumptions and stimulating friendly
discussion and debate.