BRS Rehabilitation Techniques & Mobility Training 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During sighted guide technique, which of the following correctly describes how the guide should handle a narrow passage?
- The guide slows down and says 'narrow passage ahead'
- The guide moves their arm behind their back, signaling the client to fall behind (Correct answer)
- The guide places the client's hand on the wall for independent navigation
- The guide holds the client's hand instead of offering the arm
Correct answer: The guide moves their arm behind their back, signaling the client to fall behind
When navigating a narrow passage, the guide moves their arm behind their back, which cues the client to step directly behind the guide to pass through single-file.
Question 2: A BRS is conducting an outdoor O&M lesson. The client reports that the sun's position is not consistent with their expected orientation. This most likely indicates:
- The client has made a 90-degree veering error (Correct answer)
- The weather is affecting sun position perception
- The client has memorized the wrong mental map
- The session should be rescheduled for better conditions
Correct answer: The client has made a 90-degree veering error
A discrepancy between expected and actual sun position typically indicates the client has veered 90 degrees from their intended path, requiring reorientation.
Question 3: Which assistive technology is specifically designed to detect overhead obstacles that a long white cane cannot identify?
- GPS navigation device
- Electronic travel aid (ETA) using ultrasonic sensors (Correct answer)
- Braille display unit
- Monocular optical device
Correct answer: Electronic travel aid (ETA) using ultrasonic sensors
Electronic travel aids using ultrasonic sensors can detect obstacles at head height and above, complementing the long cane's coverage of the path ahead.
Question 4: When a client with low vision is learning indoor O&M, the BRS should prioritize which environmental modification first?
- Removing all furniture to create open pathways
- Enhancing lighting contrast at doorways and step edges (Correct answer)
- Replacing all floor coverings with uniform surfaces
- Labeling all items in large print throughout the space
Correct answer: Enhancing lighting contrast at doorways and step edges
Enhancing contrast at doorways and step edges is the highest-priority modification because it addresses the most common fall risks for low vision individuals.
Question 5: The 'shoreline' technique in cane travel involves:
- Using the cane to follow a water feature for navigation
- Trailing a linear landmark such as a wall or curb edge with the cane (Correct answer)
- Sweeping the cane in wide arcs near shorelines or open water
- Tapping the ground to identify puddles and wet surfaces
Correct answer: Trailing a linear landmark such as a wall or curb edge with the cane
The shoreline technique uses a linear environmental feature—such as a wall, curb, or edge of a building—as a tactile guide to maintain straight-line travel.
Question 6: A client with a newly acquired visual impairment is resistant to using a white cane due to stigma concerns. The BRS's most appropriate initial response is to:
- Explain that cane use is legally required for blind pedestrians
- Dismiss the concern and emphasize safety statistics
- Acknowledge the concern and explore the client's values and goals collaboratively (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to a peer mentor immediately without further discussion
Correct answer: Acknowledge the concern and explore the client's values and goals collaboratively
Acknowledging the emotional concern and exploring the client's values through motivational interviewing builds rapport and supports client-centered goal setting.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes 'compass orientation' as a concept in blind rehabilitation mobility training?
- Using a physical compass device at every intersection
- Maintaining an internal sense of cardinal directions relative to the environment (Correct answer)
- Memorizing street layouts using map software
- Following auditory GPS directions throughout the route
Correct answer: Maintaining an internal sense of cardinal directions relative to the environment
Compass orientation refers to the traveler's internal mental tracking of cardinal directions, which is updated continuously as they turn and move through space.
BRS Rehabilitation Techniques & Mobility Training 3
During sighted guide technique, which of the following correctly describes how the guide should handle a narrow passage?