1. Can a 14- month-old REALLY use a long cane? How we taught early O&M in Western Australia Bronwen Scott EdD candidate - University of Sydney O&M Specialist Independent Options for Mobility Melbourne, Australia

3. Research What is the meaning of the long cane to children, families and teachers? What did we do that worked? What do you do that works for you? What is blocking you from working with very young children?

6. › Australia’s population (2011) › 22 696 000 › Western Australia › 2 366 900 › Mostly situated in Perth and the south-west corner

10. Results 3 categories of meaning: Knowledge and empowerment Social meaning of O&M Independence and family

11. Long cane? or Adaptive mobility device?

12. “I liked the idea of her having a cane straight away” (parent)

14. Parents said... recognisable immediate understanding confidence independence

15. I think obviously it was very exciting because the really really tiny ones that we first started with knew it, it was incredible. It was instinctive. It was almost as if they knew that it was something that could help them find their way about without any great long explanations. (teacher)

16. Video Hands-off approach from O&M Specialist Use of conceptual language Child still using feet to check step depth

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18. Opportunities for spontaneous learning

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20. Coloured canes It makes it attractive. It makes it easy for other people to share something in common, makes it easier for people to relate. (teacher)

21. What did we do that worked?

22. Empowering teachers and parents

23. Professional O&M input

24. Support from the school

25. Blocks to providing early O&M services

26. Preconceptions around blindness

27. Traditional arguments against early long cane use

28. Lack of O&M Specialists

29. Children not being referred for O&M until they reach school age

30. What did I learn? Don’t underestimate what children can do!

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32. What do you do that works for you?

33. Thank You Contact details: bronscott@iinet.net.au http://www.options4mobility.com.au bronscott@iinet.net.au