[blindkid] introducing a cane

[Susan Vorsanger]

Hi, I know many of you have had much experience with kids & cane use...  My son is almost four but severely developmentally delayed (no talking, very limited communication).  At my strong encouragement his O&M instructor is going to start working with him with a cane.  (Some background:  I have tried for a loooong time to gently introduce him to an NFB cane, but so far he’s shown no interest at all & only wants to put it in his mouth).  I was wondering if some of you had any thoughts about the following:
-          His O&M instructor strongly recommends a cane that comes up to his chest, but I know the NFB canes are longer.  Can someone tell me again what the rationale is for the longer length?  Do you think there would be any harm to starting him out with a shorter length?
-          She wants him to use a cane with a ball on the end so it doesn’t get stuck.   Do you think there would be any harm to trying this kind for a while since I haven’t had luck with the other cane yet?  
I am really glad to have some help encouraging my son to use a cane, but I want to make sure we’re taking the best approach possible.    Thanks! -- Susan