After World War 2, the U.S. Government recognized its responsibilities towards newly blinded soldiers and a team at the Valley Forge Hospital, Pennsylvania under Dr. F E Hoover was given the task of formulating new techniques for independent mobility, without the use of a guide dog, for blind people. Thus Orientation and Mobility was born, and because of its tremendous advantages, this training spread throughout the world.

In 1969 the SA Guide-Dogs Association became aware of the need for this type of Service as a complimentary service to guide dogs and began investigating the feasibility of opening a School of Orientation and Mobility. In 1974 this goal was realized and the Orientation and Mobility School was established to train sighted instructors, from all over Southern Africa, who would in turn train visually impaired people.

The College of Orientation and Mobility rely on funding from private individuals and companies to continue their work. Companies can score BEE points on their scorecard through CSI giving. A company can secure maximum points for funding as our beneficiaries are 98% non white.

Should you require more information or request a O&M Corporate Proposal document to establish how you can fund the College please contact noel@guidedog.org.za and we will discuss your funding requirements with you.