Gingerbread Houses and Cane Travel ?

I had what I’d consider a “brilliant idea” a while back. Unfortunately, I’ve not yet had the opportunity to implement said idea, but I hope to at some point. My brilliant idea: Make Gingerbread houses to help teach principles of cane travel (orientation and mobility).

This could be a really fun activity to do with young children around the holidays. Okay, so maybe we’re not actually talking about the real nuts and bolts of cane travel, i.e., how to arc a cane, use echo location, locate landmarks, cross streets, etc., but there are some great foundational pieces which you could introduce through play, a.k.a., constructing a gingerbread house which are just as relevant to cane travel as the afore mentioned skills.

Concepts of Parallel and Perpendicular: These concepts will come up in multiple ways as you place walls, a roof, and other elements on your structure. You can also discuss how in neighborhoods, sidewalks usually run parallel to the houses and the street, but there may be smaller side walks which run perpendicular to the main one or to the street which lead to the entrance of the house. You can also talk about how things like grass or mailboxes can be found along the sides of sidewalks or driveways which sometimes serve as useful landmarks when one is trying to orient him/herself to an area.

Cardinal directions: Cardinal directions are often tricky to teach to children, but this could be a fun way to help instruct a child on how to use cardinal directions. Some people don’t really understand the value of cardinal directions, but here’s a quick explanation which might help you see how they can be useful. Imagine you are driving down Main Street and you live on Smith Ave. The way you are driving right now on main street means you will have to turn left on Smith in order to reach your house. Now, let’s say you are giving a friend directions to your house. She is driving the opposite direction on Main Street. If you told her to turn left on Smith Ave like you did, she would end up driving away from your house. So, even though left and right can be helpful things, they vary in their use depending what “direction” we are facing at the time. But, if you know that when you are traveling north on main street, you will need to turn west on Smith to go to your house, or east if you are going south on Main street, directions can be a lot more useful. . Knowing whether you are traveling north, south, east, or west can be very useful tools in using directions when you can’t always rely on looking for landmarks like a sighted person would do. . . These directions can also help in areas like schools or businesses to help a blind individual orient him/her self to a place. For example, if you enter a store and you are heading north, you can mentally map which direction you are walking while in the store. Then, when you are ready to exit the store, you know that you have to make your way back to the south to locate the exit. This, along with other environmental cues can be very helpful in traveling in different environments.

While constructing your house, you can help give your child directions like, “Should we put the door on the east side?” Or, “If the front door is on the east wall, what wall do you think we should put the back door?”, or “Oh, it looks like you put a tree on the west side of the house.” AS you use this kind of language, you can explain what these directions mean, and how your child can determine which direction is which.

Understanding Structural Concepts: One other idea you could teach your child is about building structure. Often, we take for granted some of the things sighted children learn just by visual observation such as what different stories on a building look like, or how roofs are designed, how doors or windows look in relation to a building’s face, or what different materials such as brick, stone, or siding look like. These can be important concepts for our blind and low vision children to understand too, but unless they experience it in a way that is meaningful to them, and/or we teach them about these things, they may not fully “get” these concepts. This is where a lot of “hands-on” learning is useful and essential. Looking at realistic models is especially valuable, or the real thing” when available, but the idea of making gingerbread houses can be a fun way to reinforce these ideas or concepts in young children. So, for example, when making your house, you can talk about how the mini Hershey bar you are using for a front door should probably not be in the middle of the front wall close to the roof, but instead may be better placed toward the bottom of your wall, or lined up with the ground or side walk like a door usually would be. Or, if your child wants to make a brick house, she could line up small square candies (like caramels or mini candy bars) on her wall, or use chocolate chips for a stone house.

Lastly, here are a couple of quick ideas for fun, easy, gingerbread houses:

Use a large, flat piece of cardboard covered with tin foil as your base on which to construct your house/neighborhood (size may vary depending on how elaborate you and your child want to get, but a 1’x1’ sq. piece would work well.)
Use graham crackers to serve as walls and roof material
“Royal” icing works really well. You need the really thick kind of icing, not the kind of frosting you find in the cans in the baking isle. You can usually order the icing from your local bakery or ask there for the right stuff. You want it to be really thick so it will hold your house up.
You will want to have a variety of candy on hand to construct different elements of your house and neighborhood or property around your house. I recommend some of the following : mini candy bars, small round candies like M & M’s, caramels, hard round candies, licorice ropes, chocolate chips, sprinkles, Hershey’s kisses, Lifesavors,candy canes, gum drops (both large and small),and pretzel sticks.
Remember to have fun and be creative!

One last idea, covering a pretzel stick in icing makes a great white cane and would look really cute in the hand of a little gingerbread boy or girl out front of your house.

If any of you implement this idea, I’d love to see pictures to post with this post in the future to show off your creations. Let me know how it goes!

What is Structured Discovery Cane Travel Exactly?

I remember a question on one of my exams for a course in orientation and mobility during my training to be a teacher of blind students. It read something to the effect of: “_____ leads to independence.” There is more to the context, since this was a direct quote from one of our texts, but the answer was “movement”. I never forgot this, partly because I got that question wrong, but primarily because of how profound of a statement this is. With respect to blindness, movement really does lead to Independence. Think about it for a moment… a blind child learns about his/her environment by moving and exploring it. No movement=no discoveries made. Sure, we as parents and teachers can bring certain aspects of the world or our child’s environment to him, or take her to it, but so much more learning takes place when a child learns how to make these discoveries on his or her own. For example, if a child learns how to walk down a sidewalk with a cane by investigating it himself rather than someone walking along side of him telling him what is in front of him, or when to move around something, or even guiding him, he’s not only learning just the mechanics of how to follow the pathway of the sidewalk, but he is learning how to problem-solve as he maneuvers around obstacles in the middle of the sidewalk, solidifying concepts he may have been taught before such as what parallel and perpendicular mean (streets or grass often are parallel to sidewalks, while other pathways or obstacles may be perpendicular to a sidewalk), he is learning how to recognize landmarks to orient where he is(like counting driveways or looking for a certain walkway on which to turn), learning how to recognize different textures or sounds with his cane to get different feedback, and so much more. Figuratively speaking, he is learning how to “make it on his own playground.” All of these skills are taught through an ideology of orientation and mobility (cane travel) training known as Structured Discovery Learning. I could go on for pages about how to implement structured discovery learning to our blind students whether it’s in general orientation and mobility training, or just helping to teach them about basic concepts. But for the sake of this post, I want to just introduce a basic understanding of what structured discovery Cane Travel is.

The following is a response given by Dr. Edward Bell from the Professional Institute for Development and Research in Blindness at LouisianaTechUniversity to some questions asked at a recent AER conference on orientation and mobility.

Hello,

At the request of Kevin Hollinger, Chairman of the AER O&M division, we prepared the following responses to questions they posed at the last conference. This is now posted at www.pdrib.com

A Q&A about Structured Discovery Cane Travel

A number of interesting breakout sessions were held at the Orientation and Mobility conference that was held September 29—October 2 in Richmond, Virginia, sponsored by the Southeastern and Central O&M Associations,. One of those sessions was a discussion about Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) ™ methods and principles, led by Maurice Peret, Jennifer Kennedy, and Joanne Laurent. During this session, the moderators asked the audience to submit questions regarding myths, assumptions, and rumors they had heard about SDCT practices. The goal of this exercise was not to compare and contrast SDCt and traditional training, but rather to provide an opportunity to gain a more accurate understanding of a training methodology with which many are not familiar.

What follows are the questions and responses which we were not able to get to because of limited time. These are not in any order other than how they were submitted. We fully anticipate that in answering these questions, many more will arise, and we welcome the opportunity to participate in future exchanges of information and strategies.

Q: What is the written or working definition of SDCT?

A: In short, Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) ™ is defined as the consumer-based model of orientation and mobility instruction that is derived from the collective knowledge, experiences, attitudes, and expectations of blind men and women. A full and complete description of the methods and principles that comprise SDCT take months to convey as graduate students or those pursuing an apprenticeship will attest. SDCT is not simply a strategy that can be incorporated into lessons being taught by those conventionally trained because it is a “whole paradigm” and to adopt only specific elements negates its entire premise.

Q: If one is discovering how can it be structured? Is “structure referring to chaining or a scope and sequence of instruction?

A: The “structured” in SDCT refers to the instructional practice in which guided methods are introduced from the beginning of the learning process while continually shifting towards independent discovery and self-monitoring. Through methods such as Socratic questioning, the instructor leads the student to “discover” orientation and mobility concepts. In a very simple example, on the first day of instruction, an SDCT practitioner uses guided instruction to teach cane technique and how to walk in-step. Rather than directly telling the student when he/she is not arching the cane correctly or when he/she is out of step, the instructor might simply ask, “Do you feel that your arch is wide enough?” or “Are you walking in step?” The student will instantly learn the internal dialog that is necessary to develop self-monitoring skills which is a crucial concept for independent travel.

Q: Is SDCT possible with a 60 minute session per week?

A: Yes. Structured Discovery Cane Travel is not specifically time-dependent although regular and consistent instruction is always the best practice. SDCT has more to do with the approach of the instructor and the length of the actual lesson is beside the point.

Q: How does a blind SDCT instructor teach in a novel environment to them and to the client?

A: Through mutual awareness and collaborative discovery, when you understand SDCT, you know that each travel lesson is built around the concept of learning mobility principles through experiences in novel situations. This is to say, that the SDCT instructor continually works to introduce new environments to the student, and whenever possible, it can be very beneficial when a lesson can take place in surroundings which are also not familiar to the instructor. The student not only has the opportunity to study how an experienced blind traveler can synthesize non-visual information, but he/she can also contribute to their pooled observations and equally participate in the travel experience.

Q: What is the preferred way to offer assistance to a person who appears to be an SDCTist?

A: There is no difference in the way assistance should be offered to someone who has been trained in the SDCT model.

Q: What language does one use not to offend?

A: Use normal, polite regularly spoken language. What offends are notquestions, but rather assumptions stemming from misconceptions.

Q: Do you offer assistance at all?

A: It is always polite to offer help to anyone if it appears that they may be in need of assistance. But sometimes if there is no imminent danger, it may be best to hold back and to allow someone to use his/her own skills. Obviously it depends on the situation, but remember to listen to the person’s response. Do they need “help” or just information.

Q: Do you wait for a person to ask for help?

A: It depends upon the circumstances. Always observe first. If the person seems to be doing fine, they likely don’t need assistance; however, it is always polite to say “hello” if your paths are crossing. If the person does need help, then your acknowledging their presence can be the conversation starter for them to take the initiative to request either assistance or information.

Q: How is SDCT sequenced in terms of instruction?

A: SDCT is sequenced in terms of instruction from guided towards self-initiated, independent movement commensurate with the students’ abilities and capabilities. In the beginning of instruction, considerable guidance is provided in teaching cane technique, basic concepts, and street crossing information etc. This should sound entirely similar to the conventional or traditional approach. Where the fundamental difference lays is in the gradual shifting of the responsibility for self-monitoring and environmental awareness to the student.

Q: Why such a long cane? If SDCT promotes staying “in-step” and “in-time” but cane tip is beyond stepping area, how is coverage ensured?

A: Walking in-step with the longer, white cane provides for adequate coverage when the person is walking with his/her back straight and effecting a normal gait. Experience has shown that walking at an individual’s natural walking stride while using a short cane all too often results in not enough reaction time to stop before overstepping a drop-off or hitting an obstacle. Hence, the length of the cane allows the person to walk at a normal pace and to have the confidence that he/she will have sufficient reaction time to respond to changes in the environment.

Q: How do you teach street crossings using the SDCT method?

A: Very similarly to the way it has conventionally been taught. The main differences are that very early on the student is expected to independently learn how to identify the type of intersection, traffic patterns, and when it is safe to cross. The instructor would only intervene in cases of imminent danger. For example, if a student veers but is not in danger, intervention is not warranted and the student would be instructed as how to recover his/her line of travel. Also, through questioning by the instructor, the student would analyze why the veering occurred and possible ways to avoid doing so in the future.

Q: How do you deal with someone who is intensely afraid or refuses to wear a blindfold?

A: The instructor takes the time to communicate with the student and to identify the basis of the fear. Also, because the instruction builds upon itself, the student is given opportunities to experience success and develop confidence before they are challenged to go beyond their own personal comfort zone; for example, mastering walking in a straight line in front of their house before learning to cross the street. This is not significantly different than a traditionally trained instructor might do with any fearful student, but because blindfolds are only used intermittently, if at all, the fear is sometimes reinforced rather than conquered. In situations in which students experience a great deal of fear, it is also extremely beneficial for SDCT instructors to share any past experience in overcoming their own misgivings about their ability to travel as either a blind person or when they first began cane travel instruction with sleepshades. The ability to perform as a role model is essential in the SDCT approach. Fear and apprehension over the use of blindfolds has more to do with lack of exposure and once the safety and efficacy of blindfold training is modeled and confirmed, fear and apprehension dissipate very quickly.

Q: Can a person use residual vision in SDCT?

A: SDCT instruction functions fundamentally from the non-visual perspective and our training is conducted with the use of blindfolds. It is not reasonable for students to learn to trust their cane when their faulty sight gives them contradictory or only partial data. It is also undermining if students believe the use of their residual sight was the key to their success and not their ability to synthesize correctly perceived non-visual information, their developing problem-solving skills and their capacity to monitor their own safety as they progress through various environments which may or may not be familiar to them. Mastery of SDCT techniques has often been shown to result in more efficient use and integration of residual vision after training.

Q: What are the basic philosophic differences between COMS and NOMCs?

A: It is probably safe to say that the fundamental philosophical similarities between NOMC and COMS is the desire to ensure that all consumers can travel independently, efficiently, and safely to the best of their ability. Each school of thought has been influenced by those who develop its techniques and principles based on beliefs, attitudes, and expectations. SDCT methods and philosophy are born from the actual experiences of blind individuals who felt that traditional training was often not sufficient to allow them to gain the necessary skills to fully engage in society. The roots of SDCT go back more than 50 years ago and it is fair to say that the philosophical premises regarding blindness are shared with those embodied by the National Federation of the Blind.

Q: Can a sighted person effectively teach SDCT?

A: Yes, there are a number of sighted instructors who have learned to train consumers using SDCT methods and they are as effective as their blind counterparts. Because all instructors must possess an unwavering belief in the skills they impart, sighted instructors must also “walk the walk” and demonstrate that they too can travel efficiently and safely in familiar and unfamiliar settings while wearing a blindfold. This is obviously not the case at all times while teaching, but acting as a role model is an important aspect in SDCT and many sighted instructors utilize their own use of blindfolds as a valued tool in their teaching.

Q: How much information does an instructor share using the top-down program?

A: Most “top down” instruction occurs very early on in the teaching of cane technique and concepts. However, the role of the SDCT instructor is not to transfer information, but rather to ask the questions that will allow students to gather the information for themselves. Again, the fundamental goal is to immediately begin shifting the responsibility for self-monitoring and environmental awareness to the student until the instructor is no longer a part of the process.

Q: What is your view on Sighted Guide?

A: Although there is nothing inherently wrong with Sighted or human guide, SDCT instructors strongly promote self-initiated, independent mobility and its use undermines this goal. Any time we lead a student, or allow them to use a human guide during the instructional process, we are robbing that person of an opportunity to learn and we are relegating that student to play a passive role and neglecting our responsibility to teach independent movement. Certainly, all blind persons in their private lives may use a guide (be they sighted or blind) at sometime, SDCT instructors discourage this practice only while the individual is in training.

Q: Can a person use or be taught SDCT if they are a dog guide user?

A: The orientation, problem-solving, and self-monitoring skills taught by a SDCT instructor can just as easily be used with a cane or dog. But in order to gain those skills the consumer must use a cane and then if they choose to train with a dog they must do so at an appropriate organization dedicated for that purpose.

Q: Can a person use or be taught SDCT if they use an ETA, GPS, APS, etc.

A: Because the fundamental core of SDCT is to teach students to use their own awareness of the environment, problem-solving, and experiential knowledge, SDCT instructors generally limit the use of ETA, GPS, APS, etc. When students have developed sufficient skills to gain or maintain their orientation in both familiar and unfamiliar surroundings, technology can then be introduced as an option of obtaining information. Such devices might also be used earlier in the training process with a student who may have additional disabilities which make managing information more difficult.

Q: Is a SDCT instructor always with a student – when do they back off? When do they go solo?

A: Whether, or when, a student is expected to travel without being accompanied by an instructor is a very individualized decision. In general, students are given “solo” assignments that are commensurate with their age and the stage of their training as soon as deemed appropriate as evidenced in each situation. Students must demonstrate their competency to safely self-monitor, properly gather and synthesize environmental information, and respond in a safe and effective manner and only then, would an instructor begin assigning solo routes that are within the range of experience for the student. Quite often, these routes may be in part, or entirely, novel.

Q: Do SDCT instructors teach pre-cane devices or AMDs?

A: Because the structure of many pre-cane and AMDs serve as a barrier to surroundings, they limit the exposure that blind children have with their environment. With a toddler, we would advocate the integration of an appropriate size cane for general mobility. During play we also promote the use of push toys that can be used out in front of the child. We strongly encourage children to freely move, explore, and to thoroughly engage with their environment and pre-cane and AMDs devices are not conducive to these ends.

Q: Do NOMCs prefer being called an instructor or specialist?

A: Either term is acceptable.

Q: What Textbooks are used for SDCT?

(Answer) The graduate degree program in O&M at Louisiana Tech University uses Cognitive Learning and Cane Travel Instruction (Mettler, 2008); Techniques Used by Blind Cane Travel Instructors (Morais et al, 1997); The 29th IRI, Contemporary Issues in O&M (Dew and Allen, 2004); The Nottingham Report (Dodds, 1984); Independent Mobility for Blind Infants and Toddlers, a Promotion Model (Cutter, 2007); and other readings as assigned.

Q: Why does SDCT utilize sleepshades?

A: SDCT is fundamentally based on nonvisual methods and principles. Some individuals may only have trouble with mobility at night, some during the day, and others with transitions from bright to dim areas; still others with tunnel vision, and a whole myriad of different scenarios. What is common among all consumers is that their visual impairment fails them in some degree. SDCT utilizes sleepshades training to teach that the cane, problem-solving skills, and experience will enable a greater degree of freedom irrespective of visual acuity or environmental conditions. Our goal is to enable consumers to efficiently and safely move without limiting themselves to what they can comfortably see. This allows for their self-esteem to be based on their true ability and not something as capricious as their visual functioning.

Q: Why does SDCT de-emphasize education/degree programs?

A: SDCT does not deemphasize university training, as is evidenced by the Louisiana Tech O&M graduate program. However, under the NOMC certification process, there is also an option to obtain certification via an apprenticeship program.

Q: What empirical research is available in SDCT?

A: Although there has been some research studies which included consumers trained by SDCT methods, no pure empirical research has been conducted to validate the efficacy of SDCT, nor traditional training methods for that matter. Both rely on historical knowledge, professional and personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Traditional instructors are not routinely asked to provide evidence that their interventions are effective, but this is typical within any paradigm shift in any profession as is illustrated by behaviorism verses cognitivism or whole word learning versus phonics.

Q: What does one have to do to become an NOMC if they are already a COMS?

A: There are currently two paths to becoming eligible to test for NOMC certification. The first is to matriculate through the O&M program and Louisiana Tech University and the second is to complete an apprenticeship with an existing qualified NOMC. Details can be found at www.nbpcb.org/nomc.

Q: Does the presence of an ‘extra long’ cane indicate a person is NOMC or SDCT trained?

A: Although the longer cane is symbolic of the SDCT model of instruction, some individuals who were traditionally trained often adopt a longer length once given an opportunity to become familiar with its use.

Q: Where does low vision fit into SDCT?

A: This question has partially been answered with the responses to Question 10 and 21. When a consumer indicates interest in utilizing low vision devices, he/she would be referred to appropriate sources. The role of the SDCT instructor is primarily to teach students that they can go when and wherever they want to go without fear the they might not be able to see something. Once they have developed true confidence in the cane and nonvisual techniques, then they can use low vision devices at their own discretion.

Q: When is SDCT taught to children?

A: SDCT principles can be used with children regardless of age. Clearly, the skills taught will not be the same for a toddler as they are for an adult just as with traditional training.

Q: When or is SDCT taught to persons with multiple impairments?

A: SDCT is fundamentally the way in which we approach each and every student. Obviously, when a consumer has additional impairments, modifications to instructional strategies and assignments must be made. The objectives, however, do not change. Our goal is to be sure that a student meets his/her ability to the fullest extent possible. A fundamental principle of SDCT is that any given person, regardless of the presents of any additional physical, mental or emotional circumstance, can learn to function comparable to their sighted counterpart. For example, a blind student with a developmental disability can learn to become as independent as any sighted individual with the same level of developmental disability.

Epiphany About Carrying Packs

When my daughter was born, I decided to use a front facing pack to carry her around. They are great for many reasons, and my husband and I have vowed to by all our friends the Baby Bjorn as we absolutely love that one particularly. Unfortunately, my daughter has out grown it now and we’re looking into a back pack for carrying her around in addition to the stroller. WE liked the aspect of being able to hold her close to us, and how the pack allowed her to experience a lot of physical movement and be more a part of the environment than a stroller ride does. AS blind parents, these front baby carrying packs are great too as they allow us to carry her and use a cane easily and get on and off public transportation a little easier than with a stroller. Anyway, given the fact that I’m always thinking like a teacher, I had a little epiphany when I started using one with my daughter as an infant. So, here are some benefits I’ve thought up as to how a front carrying pack could be beneficial for use with blind babies. (By the way, This idea applies to any of the carrying packs, slings, or wraps on the market which hold your child in an upright position.)

1. Provides Movement and Stimulation

As I mentioned, one of the benefits of these carrying packs is that your child can feel the sensation of movement as they move with you. This provides them with a lot of stimulation which is always great for any baby, but can be particularly good for your blind child since they get less stimulation in a sense because they are not experiencing visual stimulation.

2. Provides an Opportunity for Parent Verbalization and Concept Teaching

If your child is riding on your chest, you may be more likely to talk to them than if they are riding in a stroller or sitting in a swing or bouncy seat across the room from you. There is a great deal of research on how important parents talking to their children from an early age is. It helps so much in language development, and overall brain development. While you are carrying your child, you can describe for them what is going on around you. Since your child cannot take in the environment around them visually, they need you to tell them what is going on around them and to describe things to them. You may be thinking, “What good is this going to do for an infant?” But, I really believe this can be a valuable thing for your child even from an early age. This practice can help your child to start making connections between things they feel, smells around them, sounds they hear, and words you use. There are so many great examples of this which I want to share, but I’ll save them for another time.

3. Provides a great Method for Early cane Exploration

I’m a fan of some of the teachings of Joe Cutter, an orientation and mobility specialist who specializes in pediatric O and M. He wroete a book entitled “The Teaching Cane” which I highly recommend parents of young blind children read. The idea for this is that parents (referring to sighted parents mostly) get an adult size cane which they can use to role model techniques for their child. One of Cutter’s suggestions with a teaching cane is that parents can hold the cane while their child walks between their legs and holds on to the lower part of the parent’s cane. This way, the child can feel the cane as it is manipulated by the parent and experience the feedback the cane gives from the environment. Then, later the child can practice these things with his or her own child size cane. . (I will refer to the idea of the teaching cane more in future posts.) I really like this idea and think it could start even before a child can walk. A parent could carry his/her child in a carrying pack while walking around the home or neighborhood with their own adult size cane. While doing so, the parent could place the child’s hand on the cane handle from time to time as they walked. I think facing outward would be best as it simulates the most natural position for using a cane, but even if a child was facing you’re chest, you could still put their hand on the cane handel from time to time to allow them to feel its motion and the feedback from the cane tip. My daughter started grabbing onto my cane Handel from a very early age. She loves canes and always wants to grab them and play with them. Once she was bigger and I started carrying her facing out,(about six months or so) it was a lot easier to show her things with my cane and I would let her tap it and swing it from time to time when we were playing. She really enjoys doing this and now plays with a cane her own size in much the same way.

Like I said above, this was just an idea I got one day while using my own cane and carrying my daughter around, so I don’t really have any great anecdotal info to back it up, but the concept has merit. I’d really be interested in hearing your feedback on what you think and if any of you have or will try this.

Making it on the Playground

A Resource for Parents and Teachers of Blind and Low Vision Children

Category Archives: Orientation and Mobility/Cane Travel

Gingerbread Houses and Cane Travel ?

What is Structured Discovery Cane Travel Exactly?

A Q&A about Structured Discovery Cane Travel

Epiphany About Carrying Packs

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