Texas Tech students learn to navigate world without sight

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Texas Tech University students are getting a lesson in what it takes to navigate the world without the ability to see.

Students in an orientation and mobility program are switching roles, learning how to walk with little to no sight and the proper way to guide someone.

“So, by the time they’re done, they’ll have seen everything that they need to be able to teach to someone who’s blind or visually impaired,” said Troy Abrams, instructor.

Abrams said hands-on experience is important, making sure everything is broken down into easy and teachable steps.

“We take turns being the roles as the person who’s blind, and then also the individual who’s being the instructor for the person who’s blind. And so as the instructor, they’re learning how to convey all the task analysis to the person,” Abrams said.

For master student Alyssa Alfaro, the first priority is safety, making sure the person feels confident with every step.

“One of our number one priorities is making sure that our traveler or student feels safe,” Alfaro said.

Students learn how sound can provide direction at intersections, helping them understand traffic patterns and where they are in space.

“And so based off of where you’re standing, and where you’re hearing that sound around you can give you a lot of orientation,” Abrams said.

Doing the skills under a blindfold changes everything, especially in a fast-paced summer schedule.

“Because it’s different doing it under blindfold than it is to tell someone how to do it. We’re fitting two full classes into just one month,” Alfaro said.

With only a handful of programs like this nationwide, they say the need keeps growing.

“There’s a big need for it, and there’s not a lot of people who do it,” Abrams said.

“It’s so small within the state and within the country, we’re one of 20 programs in the entire nation and one of two in the state. It’s just really impactful knowing that I will be able to make a difference in this way,” Alfaro said.

Abrams said the program is also an opportunity for advocacy, not just for independence.