VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 4
Take sensory walks together in different seasons to learn what you can
notice through all of your senses: what do the leaves sound and feel like in
different seasons, can you tell when you are on a hill without looking? What part
of your body helps you know?
You, as a parent, can order a white cane for yourself from Ambutech,
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Amazon, MaxiAids, etc. This may
encourage and empower your child to use their own cane if you are willing to
practice with them. Adventures together might begin with simply taking family
walks around the block together. There are many different perspectives on cane
length. Technically, you would not want anything shorter than two inches above
your sternum (shorter than that and your stride length will generally extend beyond
where the cane can preview your next step); and on the flip side, some people
prefer canes that are taller than they are. You can check in with your orientation
and mobility specialist for greater details about why a longer or shorter cane might
be recommended. As a general guide, measuring for cane length to match the
height somewhere between your armpit and your nose is a good rule of thumb. For
some young people, knowing that you as the parent are comfortable using a cane,
will greatly increase their willingness. It validates the use of the cane and helps
them know you support them in what they are learning about. It is as simple as
practicing throwing a baseball back and forth to help them prepare for little league,
