In this section of “Going Places” from my Hadley School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Review I want to talk about what I learned about walking and biking.
This lesson brought back memories of my childhood. As a child, one of my favorite things to do was to ride my bike. I found that riding my bike was fast and fun! I did some walking to and from school when I was in middle school; however, my mother was always worried about my safety. She was so worried about my safety because one day I did not return home on time. I walked home with a friend a different way and it took us longer to get home. After that, my mother had me tested for Orientation and Mobility. In the report, it basically said that my mother needed to let me be more independent. She hardly let me walk home on my own and as a result I felt less independent than my peers. This leads me to the first section of the lesson: Advantages and disadvantages of walking and biking. I feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Both walking and biking can be low cost and good for someone’s health. I learned that with correct planning both of these can be enjoyed.
During sixth grade my mom and other adults started talking to me about safety issues, such as coming home from school on time, having phone numbers to call in case I were to get lost, etc. Reflecting back on this, as an adult, these are basic common-sense issues that should be taught to any child early. I feel that if a child wishes to walk or bike somewhere, as long as it’s safe, let the child do it. I feel that If I was exposed to walking and biking earlier, I would have been more confident with my travel skills.
When it comes to trip planning the more you do it the easier it becomes. Start teaching these travel skills early! For example, you can teach landmarks. My mother started teaching me this from a young age. She also taught me compass directions and map reading. Remember you are your child’s best advocate! You may want to request support from an Orientation and Mobility specialist to get help in white cane training and with the examples I mentioned.
Harris' InkWell 
Hi! I am so glad that you are posting information like this. I have a friend whose child is visually impaired and I’m excited to share this site with her. You have a lot of great content that will help others. 🙂
I am so glad to hear this. Please share. I love helping others on their journey. 🙂
Having a mobility disability is difficult for me but I think having a vision disability would be worse! I’m so happy to have met you on Facebook and see what your struggles and successes are! It’s very inspirational!!
Thank you for leaving a comment. I enjoy talking with you on Facebook too. 🙂
I grew up riding my bike and walking everywhere too! We have drilled phone numbers and addresses into our boys head so that if he needs to get us he can. The world can be dangerous so we need to give our kids the tools they need to be safe. Great post!
Thank you for leaving a comment. I am enjoying this series.
So awesome that you can share your own experiences with those with similar situations…great to learn from others who have been there.
Great content! My most favorite line in your post is… Remember you are your child’s advocate. I love that you are writing about this and that people can read about it and know about it. I for one do not know much about it and if I ever know someone that might need this, I will be giving them your blog to read!
I do not even know how I stopped up here, but I thought this publish was
good. I do not recognize who you might be however certainly you are
going to a well-known blogger when you aren’t already.
Cheers!
Thank you!
Many times anybody may also be necessary to continue a particular grade
point average when they need to keep your scholarship.
I am a living testament to this concept, so you should believe me when I tell you
just how this is the best method to advertise your merchandise and
services. So if managers don’t take on time to find out the way to connect emotionally and personally using
employees, to master their talents, interests and values, then employees disconnect.
The Smokey Mountains have over 800 miles of hiking trails inside Smokey Mountain Forest
alone, and there are lots of trails for all those numbers of hikers.
For instance, there is a fire tower in Cook’s forest that
I always want to climb. These activities strip us using these comforts and allow us to
experience living differently.