m o v e m e n t 95
To help your child learn to use a stick (cane)
A child can start learning to use a stick whenever he seems ready,
usually when he is 3 or 4 years old. Using a stick can help a child feel
more comfortable when walking in new places.
With practice, it can
also help him walk
faster, with long, sure
steps. This is because
he can feel further
ahead with a stick
than with his hands
or feet.
The stick should be
thin and light, but
strong enough so
it does not break
easily. The top of
the stick can be
curved or straight.
It should be
tall enough to
almost reach
your child’s
shoulders.
Keep
your arm
straight,
Kiran.
As the stick
touches the
ground on
the left side,
Kiran, move
your right foot
forward.
At first, have your child lightly
touch the ground in front of
him with the stick as he walks.
Stop before he gets tired. 5 to 10
minutes is enough at first.
As he gets used to using the stick, teach him
to move it from side to side, lightly touching
the ground. The width of the swing should be
a little more than the width of his shoulders.
Your child can also use a stick to help him go up and down stairs and curbs:
YES NO
Teach him to hold the stick like this
to feel the height and position of
each step.
Do not hold the stick like this! The step
may make the stick stop suddenly and
hit him in the stomach.
helping children who are blind