Dolores McDairmid and I became acquainted through VisionAware (VA), where I volunteer my time. VA is an outreach website to individuals losing their vision. VA helps adults losing their sight continue to live full and independent lives. A team provides timely information, a directory of national and local services, and a supportive online community. It’s a branch of the American Foundation for the Blind.
McDairmid’s book, Moved by the Spirit: A Call to Work With People Living with Blindness and Visual Impairments, describes a little-known career– O&M Training, She brings 35 years to the table. Of course, this topic is close to my heart. Right away, I offered to interview McDairmid.
First, let me be sure everyone knows what O&M training is.
What is O&M Training?
Until I met with my counselor at the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, I had no idea myself. Orientation refers to finding a method and using the environment to learn to tell where you are. Mobility simply means ‘moving’ from one place to another. An O&M Specialist is one who teaches someone who is losing their vision how to find their way around by using a white cane (in some cases, in conjunction with or a follow-up with a guide dog).
Unique Aspect of this Book
I loved how this career was a “calling” for Dolores McDairmid. She didn’t choose it at random. After she felt God calling her to this field, she prayed about it and also was sensitive to the Holy Spirit in guiding her. Not only does McDairmid share what one can expect to experience in a career as an O&M trainer but also demonstrates how God can use your talents in any job to bless others. She feels her career choice is little-known and wants to make others aware of the many positives to having a career in this largely unknown field of work.
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