Some Observations on Peripatology

Abstract

Peripatology is a most valuable and fundamental aspect of services for blind persons. But it must be kept in its proper perspective by both the peripatologist and the employer. The peripatologist is at all times a part of a team, no matter what the setting. Unless he can meaningfully utilize the services of teachers, caseworkers, rehabilitation counselors, etc., the end result will be lopsided, no matter how effective the teaching.

The involvement of the community in the rehabilitation of the blind person is imperative. The effectiveness of the rehabilitation team is determined only when the client returns to his community. Public education, needless to say, is most important. But public education should take the form of involvement of the public, not merely lecturing. Involvement can take no better form than that of the peripatologist demonstrating and teaching relatives, classroom teachers, nursing home staff, or others the proper techniques for orientation and mobility. This by no means affects the usefulness of the mobility instructor, but rather enhances his role as a responsible member of the community working towards a clearer understanding of the problems of those who are visually handicapped.