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Doug: Hi, I’m Doug Trimble and I’m an Orientation and Mobility Specialist here at
the Washington State School for the Blind. Today I have
Tyler: Tyler, I’m a student at the school. Doug: Tyler is in ninth grade. Today Tyler
is going to show us some basic cane techniques: two point touch, constant contact, how to
use your cane, finding your bus stop, and so forth. To give you an idea of how you can
work with your children when you are at home and out and about when they are using their
canes. It’s really important for kids to be using their cane from the time they are
walking. There’s many types of canes: folding canes. You want to show us your folding cane?
Tyler: Sure. Doug; So it folds up real nice. Another type
of cane is a telescoping cane. It comes in six sections and is very small, so it’s
good for tight environments like the movies, so forth.
Doug: It’s just good for students to know every type of cane that’s out there. You
can check our website to see what’s available. Tyler, should we go out there and learn some
new cane techniques? Tyler: Why not?
Doug: Okay. Doug: Okay Tyler, Today I would like you to
first of all show us how you would properly hold your cane, with our cane grip. So I notice
that you have your index finger out and that’s almost like what? What are we doing here?
If I have my hand out here like this? Shaking hands.
Tyler: Shaking hands. Doug: Yeah, so when you shake a hand you have
your index finger out at the center of your body. Okay?
Tyler: Yup. Doug: Okay, now what’s one of the cane techniques
that is really important for just walking down the street?
Tyler: Two point touch. Doug: Two point touch, and what does that
mean? Tyler: That means you cane, when my left foot
steps out. Doug: Okay do that…. Your cane went where?
Tyler: To the right. Doug: What is that doing?
Tyler: That protects the right side of your body.
Doug: Okay so when your cane out on the right side its anticipating what is going to be
in front of your right foot. Tyler: Yes.
Doug: Okay, can you show us how to do that and walk up the other side of the block?
Tyler: Sure. Doug; Okay.
Doug: Nice good stride.
Doug: Your cane noticed what? Tyler: An incline.
Doug: So therefore you are going to stop at the corner.
Tyler: Uh huh. Doug: Okay, so when do you know when it is
safe to cross at this corner, Tyler? Tyler: Well I listen.
Doug: Okay, do you want there to be cars going or do you want it to be quiet?
Tyler: I want it to be quiet. Doug: Okay.
Tyler: like now. Doug: Okay go ahead and cross.
Doug: Okay, Tyler since we just crossed east 13th and trying to get back to school and
we are parallel straight on our right, therefore we need to look for what on our left?
Tyler: Intersecting the sidewalk. Doug: okay I want you to show us how to use
the shoreline technique. Tyler: Okay.
Doug: After you use two point touch, you’re walking down the sidewalk for a little ways
and then transition into two point touch and try to find that intersecting side walk. These
techniques can be used inside or outside. Tyler: Okay.
Doug: they are very important when you are looking for hallways or doors, or intersecting
sidewalks. Tyler: Alright.
Doug: Okay, go ahead with tow point touch. Shoulder to shoulder and start transitioning
over to your left. Find the edge; protecting your body. It looks like there is a sidewalk
and make your turn and go back to school.