Papers by Della Molloy Daugherty
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility, 2019
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility, 2019
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 2018
receive more information from the environment. If the cane has to be held off to the dominant sid... more receive more information from the environment. If the cane has to be held off to the dominant side, its length should be modified so that it is two to three inches longer but no more than five inches longer in total. Third, the cane tip should be replaced with a roller ball, marshmallow ball, or wheel tip, which are designed to allow the traveler's cane to simply glide over the sidewalk cracks or broken-up sidewalk areas. Fourth, if the client has poor fine motor skills or neuropathy, the use of Stickum is suggested to enhance their grip on the cane. Fifth, when teaching an older adult, it may be wise to integrate the use of a smartphone's digital recorder to record and assist in reinforcing routes or technique modifications. Last, for teaching in winter conditions, the palm of the glove may be removed to continue to give the client maximum feeling and feedback from the environment, and Heat Holders socks may be worn to provide maximum circulation. All of these modifications and techniques take into account the person's comorbid conditions, environments, and physical limitations. Furthermore, I have employed all of them for 10 older adult clients over a threeyear period, and they seemed to strengthen travel skills and independence and to improve self-esteem. In turn, these modifications could potentially allow older clients with visual impairments to experience greater confidence, independence, and mobility while ensuring a better quality of life in the later years. REFERENCES Fisk, S. (1986). Constant contact technique with a modified tip: A new alternate for long-cane mobility.
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Papers by Della Molloy Daugherty