If you've visited my resource page you've likely seen the link to the free white cane through National Federation of the Blind. We just recently received our first free cane through this organization. You can apply for a new cane through them every 6 months. In the short time we've had our new cane we've already learned so much!
Types of Canes
Seeing Eye Cane - This is a classic white cane that you think of a person whose blind using day to day.
Belt Cane - This is used more for toddlers, it can be easier for toddles as it is attached to them and they don't have to maneuver a classic cane around.
Alternative Mobility device - There are more variations of these, They are similar to the belt in shape but don't attach to the child and often roll on a type of wheel for easier maneuvering.
Our mobility specialist while explaining the different types highly recommends using a traditional white cane from the beginning as it will be his tool when he is older too.
The Anatomy of a Seeing Eye Cane
Handle/Grip - Our grip has a cork tip and a black rubber handle
Shaft/Body - This is the white part of the cane usually with red coloring toward the bottom
Tip - There are many different types of cane tips ours is a flat metal saucer like tip. Tips are interchangeable on most canes so you can switch out as needed
Cane Introduction
Not only does a cane provide sound feedback when it comes into contact with something but also vibration through the handle.
For our first interaction I simply put his cane in his play space and let him explore it. He mostly wanted to explore the different parts with his mouth. For this reason I always keep a close eye on him when playing with it since he especially likes putting the metal tip in his mouth. Slowly after a few days he started holding it in the air and it would hit on pieces of furniture and such. Once he started doing that I would help him hold the handle in his hand and tap the ground, toys, and furniture with it. Once he is able to walk it was also recommended to have an adult sized that we maneuver and have him stand in front holding on as we act as his guide. Thant way we can show him through example how to fully utilize this tool.
Our goal now is to start taking the cane EVERYWHERE with us. If you are a parent you know well the struggles of getting out of the house without forgetting anything. Sometimes we don't even remember the diaper bag so to know remember the cane too is a challenge. We are trying to get in a habit of taking it everywhere and helping him practice in public the same way we are in his play space.
The cane is and forever will be a part of him. It will be his tool lifelong that's why it is so important to start using it and getting into good habits now. Our mobility specialist recommended having a hook or cane holder by the door so Will always knows where it will be and we never forget to take it. Because we can apply for a new cane every 6 months our thought is that eventually we will be sure to always keep one in the car and even with the diaper bag at all times.
If your child is blind or visually impaired and you've yet to receive a cane think about using other similarly shaped object to familiarize your child with. You can think outside the box, foam sword, plastic lightsaber, or pool noodle. Anything long like this can start to introduce your child as to how to maneuver and utilize a cane.
The biggest things to take away are that you are never too young to start familiarizing and using a cane. During the introduction of a cane there are no wrong or right ways to use as anything is a benefit. And get in the habit early of taking it everywhere.
So Proud of Our Big Brave Boy!
***Please visit my resource page under the more tab and follow the link to apply for your own FREE cane***