[blindkid] blindkid Digest, Vol 80, Issue 10

[Leslie Ligon]

Hi, Eliza,

I agree with Doreen and Carol, actually. The red does tell sighted 
people to watch out for the cane user because she can't see 
completely/at all. On the other hand, though I haven't yet used one 
under blindfold myself, I have heard from many people that the metal tip 
gives great tactile feedback through the shaft of the cane, so your 
daughter will need all of that she can get!

As for the walker or any other type of makeshift pre/additional cane 
doohicky - what the...?! Why bother with that, when she's moving 
independently already, and using a proper cane, to boot? Our son, now 13 
1/2, used one of the t-canes, but knowing what I know now, from his 
life, as well as my own experiences under blindfold, I would rarely if 
ever, recommend a sort of prosthetic cane for a youngster.

She'll do fine with a cane, just remind her to use it like a big girl 
(i.e., not waving it, or lifting it high in the air) and let her use it 
as often as is possible despite her age. (I wouldn't have let Ethan go 
in parking lots, etc. without holding my hand with his other one because 
I'm just like that as a mom. I don't think that'll kill him in his adult 
life, either. Okay, well, I hope not!)

I'm not as familiar with the other types of therapy your daughter might 
need to have set up in school. I would though, find out from this list 
if there's an NFB advocate or some other kind of knowledgeable family 
advocate to sit in on your first pre-enrollment IEP. If your daughter is 
otherwise on track, I'm not sure what other therapy she would need.

Best wishes,
Leslie

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