Mobility Abby Style

One of the biggest challenges with helping Abby adjusting to her vision loss has been to teach her to be safe.  Abby benefits greatly with still has what seems to be pretty functional peripheral vision,  Abby has always been my risk taker.  She is always willing to try anything once.  Sometimes thats not a good mix for a 7 year old.

using cane on sidewalk

using cane on stairs

Its not a bad thing ether its just about the balance. Thankfully Abby is getting orientation and mobility training.   As with all her vision loss related instruction she fights.    We show up today knowing she is there to work and really tries to push the limits.  She isn't horrible she just tries to touch everything she can get her hands on and doesn't listen.  One thing I have learned is to walk away.  I leave her.  I love watching her orientation and mobility training but she does better when I'm not there.  

Abby does do well with the cane. I notice she will use it when she feels she needs it.  Sometimes she NEEDS it more times then other times.  Its a process and I know that its going to be another tool to help her be successful.  A cane is not a sign of disability but a sign of independence. 

Abby just looking cute with the cane

The Cane

Abby had her first Orientation and Mobility session today.   She now has a cane to use. I even had a chance to try out a cane and sighted guide techniques.    It was great for both of us.

It was hard earlier in the day to imagine her with a cane.   Sometimes its easy to 'forget' that Abby has a serious vision impairment. Now she has a loud flashy sign with her. A sign that shows the rest of the word she is just a little different.

The cane is much much more then that though.

The cane is a sign of  independence, a sign of safety and a sign that Abby will recover some of her lost self confidence.
The Cane... Its a good thing.