The Future of Telehealth & O&M with Joe Nemargut
Jan 11, 2022
The field of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) has undergone significant changes in recent years, with telehealth and remote services emerging as transformative tools. This shift has opened new doors for accessibility, collaboration, and innovation while also sparking important conversations about the balance between tradition and technology.
The Role of Telehealth in Orientation and Mobility
The introduction of telehealth in O&M started out of necessity during the pandemic but has since proven to be a valuable addition to service delivery. Experts in the field emphasize the importance of building a strong foundation when implementing telehealth by starting small and collecting data. Documenting outcomes and using evidence-based approaches ensures that remote services are both effective and sustainable.
Telehealth, however, is more than just a substitute for in-person sessions. It creates opportunities for deeper collaboration between families, educators, and other specialists. For example, during the pandemic, many professionals worked simultaneously with parents, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to create a more holistic network of support for students. Telehealth became a platform not just for teaching but for fostering connections and teamwork that directly benefited students.
Benefits and Challenges of Remote Services
Remote services offer the potential to increase access to O&M instruction, particularly in underserved or rural areas. Places like remote regions of Alaska or Australia, which have limited access to trained professionals, stand to benefit significantly. However, remote services are not without challenges.
One key consideration is recognizing what telehealth can effectively accomplish and where it falls short. For instance, remote instruction may work well for foundational skills, but complex outdoor travel or navigating crowded urban environments often require in-person, hands-on guidance.
A hybrid model has been suggested as a solution—combining telehealth for certain skills with in-person sessions for advanced or specialized training. This approach allows professionals to balance accessibility and quality while tailoring services to meet the individual needs of each student.
The Importance of Collaboration
Collaboration emerged as a critical theme in discussions about telehealth. Remote services often require a higher level of involvement from families, educators, and other professionals.
For instance, parents frequently took on co-teaching roles in remote settings, reinforcing skills between sessions. This level of engagement allowed for significant progress and stronger connections between students and their support systems. Telehealth highlighted the power of teamwork and created opportunities for professionals to work more closely with others in a student’s network, such as physical or occupational therapists.
Looking Ahead: A New Era in O&M
The future of O&M lies in adaptability and innovation. Combining telehealth with traditional in-person services has the potential to expand the reach of professionals while maintaining high-quality instruction.
As the field moves forward, the focus must remain on data-driven decisions, collaboration, and creativity. By embracing the benefits of telehealth and using it strategically, O&M professionals can continue to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Ultimately, the goal is to increase access—not just for students but for the profession as a whole. Telehealth is one of many tools that can help achieve this, offering new ways to connect, teach, and empower individuals.
Final Thoughts
The integration of telehealth into O&M services marks an exciting new chapter for the field. By staying flexible, fostering collaboration, and focusing on evidence-based practices, professionals can meet the demands of a rapidly changing world while continuing to provide the personalized, high-quality services that are the hallmark of O&M.
