For young adults with complex needs, mobility can be a challenge. They may require assistance with everyday tasks, such as getting in and out of bed, using the bathroom, or even going for a walk.
This can lead to frustration and a feeling of helplessness. However, with the right support, young people can learn to improve their mobility and gain more independence.
At InFocus, we want to help young people who struggle with mobility, so that they can access their environment as independently as possible.
We achieve this by providing mobility training and support to help our students develop skills and confidence for everyday life.
What is mobility training?
Mobility training is the process of developing independence for those who are visually impaired. It helps them to become more independent by teaching them how to get about safely and easily. A variety of different methods and devices are used to teach these skills.
This can include learning how to climb stairs, stand up from a seated position, or even walk across a room.
With the right training, individuals can build strength, balance, and coordination while also improving their confidence in their ability to move on their own.
The needs of the individual will determine the nature and scope of the training delivered.
Why is mobility training important?
Aside from improving their mobility, it contributes to the development of living skills, strengthening our students’ independence. Our mobility sessions can also help students with:
- Experiencing a range of motions, such as walking, running, jumping
- Understanding how various parts of the body move
- Learning to use senses like touch, hearing, taste and smell
- Using mobility aids, such as a long cane, a walker or wheelchair.
- Establishing a sense of directional and positional concepts such left from right, in front, behind, beside, under etc
- Understanding road safety and using public transport
- Developing visual and listening skills to identify traffic movement and potential hazards
What does mobility training aim to improve?
Our goal is to enable all our students to lead full lives. Not just academically but socially, physically and emotionally to help students experience activities outside College.
We teach transferrable skills, integrating basic road safety, such as teaching students to cross a road safely. This also includes using public transport to go out into the community, attending social events, visiting friends and other activities
It can also be used for physical exercise to improve a person’s level of mobility. At InFocus, we use mobility exercises and techniques to help students learn how to move around safely. Our mobility workouts can include:
- Dynamic Stretching – using a range of movements to increase joint flexibility
- Functional Skills Training – learning how to do things like open doors, turn on lights and cook food
- Balance & Co-ordination – improving balance and coordination for walking in a full range of motions.
Benefits of mobility training
At InFocus, our occupational therapists provide comprehensive help to individuals with complex needs to improve their physical abilities.
Our team of experts are available to offer customised programmes based on young people’s needs and goals. Here are some of the key benefits of mobility training for complex needs:
Improves independence and quality of life
For young adults with complex needs, mobility can be a challenge. Mobility training can help with basic tasks, such as getting in and out of bed, using the bathroom, or going for a walk.
This helps to improve a person’s quality of life as they learn how to do things that may have been difficult before.
Helps with daily tasks and activities
Mobility training can also help with daily tasks and activities. It teaches individuals how to move safely in their environment whilst focusing on strength, balance, and coordination.
This helps individuals be more independent in completing everyday tasks, such as getting dressed or brushing their teeth. It can even help with more complex activities, like using public transportation or participating in a recreational activity.
Helps to prevent injuries and avoid complications
By integrating training into their daily routine, those with complex needs can maintain their physical health.
Training can include mobility exercises, dynamic stretches, and other activities that promote circulation, flexibility, and strength. It can also involve the use of assistive devices, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or braces, which help improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
We also provide physiotherapy from a trained physical therapist, helping to reduce the risk of injury and complications.
Promotes physical and emotional well-being
In addition to physical benefits, mobility training can also have a positive impact on emotional well-being.
For many individuals with complex needs, their physical limitations can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and anxiety. They can also gain a sense of control over their bodies and their lives, which can improve confidence and self-esteem.
How does mobility training work at InFocus?
Training is tailored to suit the requirements of individuals, following an assessment of their skills and needs.
Sessions are conducted on a one-to-one basis, delivered by a qualified rehabilitation specialist. This way, each student receives the maximum attention and support needed for development.
Students new to the InFocus College may begin their programme by becoming familiar with their new surroundings.
We understand that it can take time to settle into new routines and meet new people. That’s why our staff are fully trained to support your child through this process. We also provide support for students travelling from areas further afield.
With this, we aim to identify and reduce the physical barriers affecting young people with disabilities and learning difficulties. Our physical therapists can help students develop the physical skills needed for independent living.
Find more information on the support services we provide for young adults with vision impairment and complex needs.