[BlindKid] Question about pre-canes

[Carlton Anne Cook Walker]

Mikayla,

It is exciting to hear about you and future plans.

Regarding pre-canes, there are likely some valid uses for them, but, as a
teacher of blind students, a parent of a blind child, and an NFB member for
than a decade, I can unequivocally state that pre=casnes are used far too
often to the detriment of the child.

Pre-canes are very often used instead of canes, and that's simply not
appropriate. Too many in our field believe that children do not have the
capability of using canes "properly" so they believe that children must use
these pre-canes first. Sadly, their premise is wrong. What child on this
planet walks "correctly" 100% of the time? None I have ever met. Part of
childhood is doing things "incorrectly"--that's why sighted children are
encouraged to scribble with crayons rather than having that "incorrect" use
of a writing device withheld until they can use the writing device
"correctly."

Long white canes are just as appropriate for infants who have not yet
learned to crawl as they are for crawling infants and toddlers, walking
toddlers, and adults. My daughter puts it perfectly when she says: "My cane
is my third eye on the ground." All children benefit from having that "on
the ground" information at the ready--either through their hands or their
eyes.

Pre-canes devices typically muddy that information--either through use of
heavy tools which do not promote free, independent travel or through
devices which dampen the tactile and auditory information canes provide.
While balance can certainly be an issue in this age group, balance concerns
need not rob a child of the vital information that a long white cane
provides.

Again, thank you for reaching out and for sharing with us your intended
path. Please feel free to contact me anytime, using the contact information
set forth below.


Take care,
Carlton




Carlton Anne Cook Walker
Attorney at Law
BEAR--Blindness Education and Advocacy Resources
Teacher of Students with Blindness/Low Vision
President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)
101 Kelly Drive
Carlisle, PA   17015
Voice: 717-658-9894
Twitter: braillemom


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Message: 1

> Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2018 20:09:49 -0400
> From: Mikayla Gephart <mikgephart at icloud.com>
> To: blindkid at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [BlindKid] Pre-canes
> Message-ID: <BCF2BC2C-86A3-4591-920C-86F382B759B9 at icloud.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Hi all,
>
>      I have been a lurker on this list for a few years, but should
> probably introduce myself for the benefit of those who do not know me from
> national conventions. I graduated high school in June, and will be
> attending the Colorado Center for the Blind this fall. Right now, my career
> goal is to become a TBS, but I am also considering careers such as becoming
> an attorney or Governmental Affairs Specialist, working to protect the
> rights of all citizens.
>
>      This summer, I have been working at a preschool for toddlers who are
> blind. The preschool I am volunteering with is run by a nonprofit
> foundation, but all of the students receive services from our state?s Early
> Intervention program. The preschool is meant to give the children the same
> opportunities as other children to explore and learn through play.
> Therefore, the teachers are not specifically TVI?s, and they get the
> blindness related services at home. The teachers have asked me a lot of
> questions about my personal experiences and opinions, and I am happy to
> help however I can.
>
>      One commonality I have noticed is that none of the children use
> canes. However, a few of them use pre-canes. What do you all think about
> pre-canes? Has anyone seen a pre-cane help a child? I have seen articles in
> Future Reflections mentioning pre-canes, but haven?t heard anything
> recently. As a future teacher and passionate advocate, I can?t wait to hear
> all your thoughts.
>
> Best,
> Mikayla
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>
>