Integrate O&M naturally into a variety of everyday contexts. Your child should use their cane as often as possible—not just during the time they are with their instructor. When leaving the house, your child should pick up their cane as naturally as they put on their shoes.
Be in communication with your child’s O&M instructor, and keep up to date with what is being taught.
Learn the techniques yourself or ask the instructor the key elements of each technique so that you are better able to reinforce the skills at home.
Keep in mind that mobility is something that needs to be worked on every day. Your child’s instructor cannot be with them every day. If it is difficult to set aside time to take your child out to practice, insist they practice at home. Mobility is a lifelong skill. To be independent your child must be able to perform their skills accurately and safely.
Take your child out on errands and allow them to practice their skills (you may have to allow yourself some extra time). If your child has been to a store/restaurant many times before, let them walk around with their cane. Teach them about the different areas of a store if you take them there often (e.g. grocery stores are organized a certain way—let the child find the produce).
Insist that your child use their cane when in public (don’t always rely on a sighted guide). This gives the child an opportunity to practice and reinforces to the child that they need the cane even when in the company of others.
Foster independence and responsibility—it is up to the child to keep track of their cane. He/she should keep it in one place at home, and remember to bring it with them EVERYWHERE.
Teach your child not to accept excessive special treatment. Your child should politely refuse aid (“No thank you. I’m okay.”) if they know their way. Others should not apologize if your child has performed a skill incorrectly resulting in a collision.
Don’t always “rescue” your child—allow them to bump into things if you know they won’t get seriously injured from it. Sometimes skills are learned best after a little bump instead of constant verbal repetition stating the proper way.
Explain environmental details to your child as you are traveling, even in the car.
Name the streets in your neighborhood and tell your child the significant stores, restaurants, etc., on each street and how they relate to each other.
Explain traffic movement and intersections to your child even if they are too young to cross independently.
Educate your child on appropriate behavior and communication in public (e.g. “excuse me” if they bump into someone). It is also important that your child learn to politely educate the public about blindness.
Teach your child about different modes of public transportation. Ride a bus or subway if possible.
ALWAYS use positional terms (right and left) not “here” and “there”. Teach your child to ask for directions using these terms.
DO NOT teach your child to count steps. This is a common misconception of the skills used by the visually impaired. Counting steps is a time consuming and inaccurate mode of travel. Ask your O&M instructor about the proper way to judge distance.
Make mobility fun. Allow your child to name their cane. Ask your O&M instructor for fun games you can play to teach your child important concepts.
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