Can a 14- month-old REALLY use a long cane? How we taught early O&M in Western Australia Bronwen Scott EdD candidate - University of Sydney O&M Specialist Independent Options for Mobility Melbourne, Australia
Research What is the meaning of the long cane to children, families and teachers? What did we do that worked? What do you do that works for you? What is blocking you from working with very young children?
› Australia’s population (2011) › › Western Australia › › Mostly situated in Perth and the south-west corner
Results 3 categories of meaning: Knowledge and empowerment Social meaning of O&M Independence and family
Long cane? or Adaptive mobility device?
“I liked the idea of her having a cane straight away” (parent)
Parents said... recognisable immediate understanding confidence independence
I think obviously it was very exciting because the really really tiny ones that we first started with knew it, it was incredible. It was instinctive. It was almost as if they knew that it was something that could help them find their way about without any great long explanations. (teacher)
Video Hands-off approach from O&M Specialist Use of conceptual language Child still using feet to check step depth
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Opportunities for spontaneous learning
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Coloured canes It makes it attractive. It makes it easy for other people to share something in common, makes it easier for people to relate. (teacher)
What did we do that worked?
Empowering teachers and parents
Professional O&M input
Support from the school
Blocks to providing early O&M services
Preconceptions around blindness
Traditional arguments against early long cane use
Lack of O&M Specialists
Children not being referred for O&M until they reach school age
What did I learn? Don’t underestimate what children can do!
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What do you do that works for you?
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