Basic Spanish for Orientation and Mobility: A Phrase Book and Dictionary

Matthew Hogel, COMS and Brenda Naimy, COMSAER International O&M Conference, December 2013

O&M Service Challenges:• Rapid growth of ELL Spanish-speaking population * *

*• Recruitment/training of bilingual O&Ms a very slow

process• Interpreters are hard to come by• Unique language of the O&M profession• Limited resources for O&M specialists who are not

bilingual

A Resource: • History and Development• Content – O&M Techniques, Appendices &

Dictionary * * * *• Format – Side by side, English/Spanish layout,

Print and E-book editions

Translating the Text into Spanish:• UPR translation department• Multiple bilingual O&M specialists• Functional phrases with emphasis on universal

understanding• Focus on Spanish used in the US• Proofreading, editing, proofreading, editing, proofreading,

repeat…

Suggestions for Use:• Determine student’s level of English fluency *• Familiarize yourself with the content • Use of digital e-book version (use with screen

reader, braille, on smart phone, etc.)• Use with other resources

Tips for Working with Interpreters:• When possible, use a trained interpreter• Meet with interpreter before lessons• Plan extra time• Use “triangular” positioning• Speak directly to your student• Choose your words carefully• Speak in short segments and pause frequently

Other Resources & Strategies:• Recruit bilingual family members,

paraprofessionals & friends• Use pictures, tactile maps and models • Model skills and provide hands-on training as

needed• Online resources & Apps

ELL Enrollment Growth compared to Overall School Enrollment

Source: National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition

1997-98

1998-99

1999-00

2000-01

2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

2004-05

2006-07

2007-08

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Overall School Enrollment

ELL Enrollment

Source: Migration Policy Institute http://www.migrationinformation.org/ellinfo/FactSheet_ELL3.pdf

Top 10 Languages Spoken in ELL Homes

States where Spanish is the Top Language for ELLs (in Yellow)

Source: http://thefreshmanschoolpsych.wordpress.com/language/

Recognizing the Stages of Your Student’s Language Development

Chapters 1 & 2: Basic Skills, Canes, and Cane Techniques

Chapters 3 & 4: Residential and Business Travel

Chapters 5 & 6: Using Public Transit & Skills for the Traveler with Low Vision

Appendices A & B

Appendix C and Dictionary