Research Findings on Orientation and Mobility for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision in Japanese Journal of Special Education

Abstract

This paper introduces the research findings on orientation and mobility (O&M) for individuals who are blind or have low vision based on papers published in Japanese Journal of Special Education. Ten research papers were published on this topic in Volume 1 to Volume 60, including three original articles, three brief notes, two current topics, one report of practical research, and one research presentation abstract. This paper classified the research papers into the following two categories: (1) research on O&M skills and (2) research on O&M instruction. This paper found that very few studies have been published in “Japanese Journal of Special Education” on O&M for individuals who are blind or have low vision. However, the content of these studies covered spatial cognition, balance and walking, mobility aids, philosophy and content of O&M instruction, and practical contents. Therefore, developing the research area of O&M instruction further and utilizing research findings in educational practice are significant.