For a child with visual impairment, one of the biggest challenges during childhood is transitioning from guided activities to more independent skills — especially in the area of navigation. Jayden, a fourth grader at Rea Elementary School in Costa Mesa, is taking this challenge on with enthusiasm as he learns to use his new white cane during weekly lessons with Orientation & Mobility Specialist Amanda Abdulhai.
“Jayden has done such a great job this year,” says Amanda. “He is comfortable using his cane in public, which is huge, and I’m so proud of the positive way he is approaching all of our lessons together.”
Understandably, it takes time and a lot of encouragement for a student to learn to trust the cane to stay safe. Specific skills that Jayden has been practicing include detecting “drop offs” such as curbs, keeping his head and vision up, and maintaining and verbally describing his orientation to north, south, east and west.
His mom Jeanette says she has also noticed big improvements with Jayden this year, reporting that he is more aware and intentional as he moves about his surroundings. “Jayden is such a kind, appreciative boy and we are very proud of him for working hard to achieve these goals with Amanda. He is excited about his new cane and can’t wait to start using it at home.”