Teaching the Cane and Non-Visual Skills

 

This page has links to articles, presentations, and web pages that address the issue of teaching the use of the cane and other non-visual skills.
 

• Teaching the Use of the Cane Step by Step: Suggestions for Progressive, Methodical Instruction
  Sauerburger, D. & Bourquin, E. (2010) Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, AFB Press, Volume 104, Number 4, pp. 203-214
  
  
• Videos demonstrating use of the cane
  Videos demonstrate proper cane technique and the importance of some of the features of that technique, as well as things that the cane may not detect.
  
  
• Stages of Learning to Use a Cane
  Process of learning to use a cane, and suggestions for overcoming difficulties in achieving proficiency.
  Spring 2005 Newsletter; AER Orientation and Mobility Division
  • Learning to use a cane -- written for the consumer / layperson.
     
    
• Step by Step: Systematic Cane Instruction and Assessment
  Based on powerpoint / notes from presentations 2008-2010
  
  
• Cane information:
  • Walking in Step: Why Does It Matter?
  • Three things that the cane may not detect
  • Importance of centering the hand (for when the cane misses poles and corners)
  • Negotiating obstacles contacted by cane
  • Cane Technique: Tricks of the Trade [From the archives (1992) -- the importance of features of cane technique, and ideas for teaching them.]
    
    
• Articles related to cane use in newsletter of VisionAWARE
  July 2008, Volume 2 Issue 3, by Dona sauerburger
  
  NOTE: Although much of these articles remain the same as they were written in 2008, the American Foundation for the Blind is now considered the author, so they may be modified without input by Dona Sauerburger.
  • How do I learn to use a cane?
  • What will people think about me if I use a white cane?
  • Does the cane have to be white to be effective?
  • What type of cane should I use?
    
    
• Alternative Mobility Device
  Illustrates an alternative to the long cane.
  
  
• Bundu basher
  Illustrates a cane tip designed for hiking and traveling through natural areas.
  
  
• Support Cane Used with Long "Probing" Cane
  Illustrates a support cane and long cane being used together.
  
  
• Unreliability of Using the Railing for Stair Information
  Illustrates the importance of using a cane or guide to determine where the bottom of a stairway is, rather than the railing.
   
  
• Teaching Use of Visual and Non-Visual Techniques
  Addresses the issue of blindfolding
  Part of joint presentation with Dr. William Wiener: "Development of O&M Services and Use of Innovative Approaches"
  National Conference for Residential Training Centers for the Blind, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 13, 2002
   
  
• Developing the kinesthetic sense
   
  
• Examples of Strategies for Teaching Non-Visual Skills and Use of Non-Visual Information
   
  
• "Traditional" O&M in the Modern Environment: Hallmarks of a Quality O&M Program
  Presentation for panel regarding "Traditional" O&M and Structured Discovery Learning
  National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, April 26, 2007, Bethesda, Maryland
  • Includes link to Decisions, Decisions: Who Knows What's Best for the Client?
     
    
• Non-visual cues or strategies for specific street-crossing tasks
  
  • Non-visual strategies for aligning to cross streets
  • Alignment: Teaching students to align with traffic sounds
  • What Cues do Blind People Use to Recognize a Street in the Absence of a Curb?
     
    
• Teaching the Use of Hearing
  Ideas and strategies from O&M specialists for teaching blind people to maximize the use of their hearing.
  March, 1999 newsletter; Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association (WOMA)
   
  
• Make Your Own Vision Impairment Simulators
  January 1998 newsletter, DC-Maryland Chapter, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
  Although it is not directly related to teaching non-visual skills, this article may be of interest to those who want to simulate visual impairments. It includes
  • information on functional visual effects by Dr. Duane Geruschat, COMS;
  • considerations in the use of vision simulators by Dr. Laura Bozeman, COMS; and
  • a "blindness simulation" involving no vision simulators!
     
    

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