[BlindKid] Question about pre-canes

Thu Jul 19 21:08:25 UTC 2018

Hi Mikayla,

I agree completely with Carlton.  The renowned early childhood cane teacher
Joe Cutter used to say that they should not call these devices "pre-canes"
at all since they give no preparation whatsoever for cane use.  Here is a
link to a recent article about one of these devices that might interest
you.

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr36/3/fr360302.htm

Carol

Carol Castellano
Founder, Parents of Blind Children-NJ
Secretary, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
973-377-0976
carol_castellano at verizon.net
www.blindchildren.org
www.nopbc.org

On Thu, Jul 19, 2018 at 10:58 AM, Carlton Anne Cook Walker via BlindKid <
blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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
> >
> >
> >
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