In orientation and mobility (O&M) outcomes research, the concept of mobility has become narrowed to what can be captured with existing measures and methods. However, travel speed and contact tallies have not provided convincing evidence of functional changes resulting from O&M programs or such vision restoration treatments as retinal prostheses. This study used grounded theory methodology to develop a new understanding of mobility from expert opinions, including O&M specialists (n=15) and adults (n=40) with advanced retinitis pigmentosa. The Effective Mobility Framework includes the elements of Utility, Access, Orientation, Interdependence, Self-regulation, Efficiency, and Pleasure representing a more comprehensive understanding of O&M outcomes than previously used. The Framework highlights the importance of mixed methods data collection and the need for new types of ordinal measure in researching functional outcomes.
