What is meant by "self-protective techniques" in orientation?

Self-protective techniques in the context of orientation primarily refer to strategies that individuals use to ensure their safety while navigating their environment. These techniques encompass a wide array of skills that aid individuals, particularly those with visual impairments, in understanding their surroundings and minimizing risks encountered during travel.

For instance, self-protective techniques may include using tactile feedback, listening for environmental cues, employing mobility aids, or being aware of potential hazards in the environment. By focusing on safety and awareness, individuals can navigate more confidently and effectively, allowing them to maintain independence while reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

This concept is essential as it emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive measures when individuals are moving through different spaces, fostering an understanding that safety is a critical aspect of orientation and mobility training. Other options, while valuable in their own right, focus on aspects that do not directly relate to strategies for ensuring safety during navigation.