Mobility Towards Independence

07/17/2025

Helping First Nations and Inuit Clients Achieve Independence through Orientation and Mobility Training!

"Are you or someone you know First Nations or Inuit and need help learning to travel safely with vision loss? MTI is now an NIHB-registered provider! Our certified specialists offer cane training, independent living skills, and community travel instruction at no cost to you. Contact us to start your journey to independence through Orientation and Mobility Training!"

✔ Orientation & Mobility Training
✔ Independent Living Skills for people with vision loss
✔ Covered 100% under NIHB – No cost to clients
📞 Contact: Irene Abiko, CEO & Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Call now to connect with business.

04/05/2025

Spring is here, Ottawa! 🌷 While the warmer weather is welcome, it brings changing terrain for white cane users. Be extra mindful of:
- Melting Snow & Ice: Sidewalks can be slippery with melting ice patches and puddles. Listen carefully for the sound of water and use your cane to detect changes in surface.
- New Obstacles: Spring cleanup might mean temporary obstacles like leaf piles or garbage bins on walkways. Sweep your cane widely to identify these.
- Construction: With milder weather often comes road work. Be aware of detours and uneven surfaces. Pay close attention to auditory cues and any temporary barriers.
- Increased Pedestrian Traffic: Enjoy the outdoors, but be aware that more people will be out and about. Be mindful of your surroundings and potential for crowded spaces.
- Pollen & Allergens: While not a terrain issue, be aware that increased pollen can affect breathing and overall comfort while navigating.
Stay safe and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring in Ottawa! ☀️

Send a message to learn more

11/11/2024

Lest We Forget

This Remembrance Day, we honour the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Today, we also remember a lesser-known legacy: the birth of Orientation and Mobility as a profession.

After World War II, many soldiers returned home with vision loss due to combat injuries. It was during this time that specialized training programs were developed to help these veterans regain their independence and confidence in navigating the world once again. This pioneering effort laid the foundation for the Orientation and Mobility services that continue to support individuals with visual impairments today.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the courage of those who fought and the resilience of those who learned to navigate life in new ways. We owe our freedom—and the roots of our profession—to their sacrifice.

We remember. We honour. We carry forward.

09/02/2024

Celebrating Labour Day with Gratitude and Dedication!

As we observe Labour Day, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our dedicated team members at Mobility Towards Independence. Your unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of our clients is truly inspiring. Whether helping individuals gain confidence in their daily travels or providing critical support and training, your hard work makes a significant difference.
Thank you to all our staff, partners, and supporters for your tireless efforts and passion. Let's continue working together to build a more inclusive and accessible community.

Happy Labour Day!

08/05/2024

Cheering on Our Paralympic Athletes from Ottawa!

As our incredible Paralympic team members from Ottawa head off to compete on the world stage, we want to send them all our best wishes and unwavering support!

Dear Team Ottawa, you embody the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and courage. Your journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of excellence.

We rally behind you and show our Capital pride as you strive for greatness inspiring others along the way with your remarkable performances.

You got this!

05/01/2024

Are you ready to master your routes from point A to point B? Mobility Towards Independence is here to support individuals with vision loss on their journey to greater independence!

Whether you're navigating city streets, public transportation, or simply exploring your neighbourhood, our team is dedicated to helping you gain confidence and autonomy in your travels.

Give us a call today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in reaching your mobility goals. Together, let's pave the way to independence!

03/08/2024

Happy International Women's Day from all of us at Mobility Towards Independence! Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and independence of women everywhere. Your courage, tenancy and spirit inspire us all. May you continue to conquer new horizons and inspire others along the way.

12/23/2023

The joyous Christmas season is filled with joyful melodies of Christmas carols and the jingle of bells! We want to extend our warmest holiday greetings to all of you far and wide. We understand that navigating the world around us can present unique challenges, particularly for those with vision loss. Therefore, we want to offer support and encouragement during this festive time.
Christmas is a time filled with cherished traditions, family gatherings, and beautiful decorations. We recognize that some of the visual elements might not be readily accessible to people with vision loss. Still, we firmly believe that the spirit of Christmas can be experienced and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of visual abilities. Thanks to families and friends who have incorporated audio descriptions into holiday activities, created tactile Christmas trees with different textures and brailled ornaments, cards, gift tags and multi-sensory gifts, you rock!

Happy Holidays!

11/11/2023

On this Remembrance Day, we honour and remember the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. Their strength and resilience inspire us to ensure that all who have served can enjoy the independence and mobility they deserve. Today, and every day, we strive to provide unwavering support to our visually impaired veterans, empowering them to navigate the world with confidence and dignity. Their service to our country will never be forgotten, and we remain committed to serving them in return."

10/15/2023

Today, October 15th, marks an important day of awareness—White Cane Awareness Day!
This day is specifically dedicated to raising awareness about white canes, their significance, and the independence they provide to individuals with visual impairments. 🦯
The white cane holds immense importance as a symbol of mobility and empowerment for those with visual impairments. It serves as a tool that not only assists with navigation but also signifies to others that an individual may have limited or no vision. By recognizing and respecting the white cane, we can create a more inclusive and accessible society for everyone.
Today, let's take a moment to appreciate the strength, resilience, and determination of those who rely on a white cane to navigate through their daily lives. Let's acknowledge the impact this simple yet powerful tool has on promoting independence and equal opportunities for individuals with visual impairments.
We can all contribute to White Cane Awareness Day by spreading the word and be part of an inclusive society!