BLINDNESS
Learning to use a stick
Using a long stick can help a child find his way and give him more confidence,
especially for walking in places he is not familiar with. With practice, it can also help him
to walk in a faster, more normal way, with long, sure steps. This is because he can feel
farther ahead of him with his stick than with his feet. The best age to start teaching a
child to use a stick is probably about 6 or 7.
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The stick should
be thin and
light, and tall
enough so that
it reaches half
way between
the child’s waist
and shoulders.
The top of
the cane can
be curved or
straight.
At first just give the child the stick and have
him lightly touch the ground in front of him
as he walks. His arm should be straight.
Play games letting him feel his way. But do
not hurry him. Stop before he gets tired of it.
At first, 5 or 10 minutes is enough.
After he gets used to the stick, walk
beside him and encourage him to take
smooth, even steps.
Have him swing the stick from side to
side, and see if he can find things in
his path.
After a time he can learn to use the stick better:
Move the stick from side
to side, lightly touching
the ground.
The width of the swing
should be a little more
than the width of his
shoulders.
As the stick touches to one
side, move the foot on the
other side forward.
On a narrow path
or rough ground,
someone can lead
the child by the
stick.
Or the child can
hold the person’s
elbow or wrist.
The child can
learn to feel
the height
of steps and
curbs, and then
to climb them.
To go up steps, it is
better to hold the stick
like this to feel the
position of each step.
CORRECT
Do not hold it like this.
This can cause the cane
to stop suddenly and hit
the child in the stomach.
WRONG
Teach the child to listen carefully before he
crosses a path or road where cars or other traffic
pass.
Putting posts or other
markings where roads
or paths cross can help
the child find his way
or know where to turn.
But whenever possible,
teach him to find his
way using ‘landmarks’
that are already there.
Sometimes putting a guide rope
or rail can help the child find his
way.
disabled village children