[blindkid] O&M maps

[Sally Thomas]

I'm curious about the use of orientation maps by blind people.  My son's O&M instructor has him spend a lot of time creating tactile maps of his school.  Do others do this?  Do people use this kind of map in every day life?  It doesn't make a lot of sense to me--if he is familiar with the environment why does he need a map?  If he's not, wouldn't exploration be a good way to learn about the building?

Sally Thomas