Basic Spanish for Orientation and Mobility: A Phrase Book and Dictionary Matthew Hogel, COMS and Brenda Naimy, COMS AER International O&M Conference, December 2013

O&M Service Challenges: Rapid growth of ELL Spanish-speaking population * * * * Recruitment/training of bilingual O&Ms a very slow process Interpreters are hard to come by Unique language of the O&M profession Limited resources for O&M specialists who are not bilingual

A Resource: History and Development Content – O&M Techniques, Appendices & Dictionary * * * ** Format – Side by side, English/Spanish layout, Print and E-book editions

Translating the Text into Spanish: UPR translation department Multiple bilingual O&M specialists Functional phrases with emphasis on universal understanding Focus on Spanish used in the US Proofreading, editing, proofreading, editing, proofreading, repeat…

Suggestions for Use: Determine student’s level of English fluency ** Familiarize yourself with the content Use of digital e-book version (use with screen reader, braille, on smart phone, etc.) Use with other resources

Tips for Working with Interpreters: When possible, use a trained interpreter Meet with interpreter before lessons Plan extra time Use “triangular” positioning Speak directly to your student Choose your words carefully Speak in short segments and pause frequently

Other Resources & Strategies: Recruit bilingual family members, paraprofessionals & friends Use pictures, tactile maps and models Model skills and provide hands-on training as needed Online resources & Apps

ELL Enrollment Growth compared to Overall School Enrollment Source: National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition

Source: Migration Policy Institute Top 10 Languages Spoken in ELL Homes

States where Spanish is the Top Language for ELLs (in Yellow)

Source: Recognizing the Stages of Your Student’s Language Development

Chapters 1 & 2: Basic Skills, Canes, and Cane Techniques

Chapters 3 & 4: Residential and Business Travel

Chapters 5 & 6: Using Public Transit & Skills for the Traveler with Low Vision

Appendices A & B

Appendix C and Dictionary