Oklahoma School for the Blind to Host Oklahoma Regional Cane Quest

MUSKOGEE -- Oklahoma School for the Blind will host the 13^th annual Oklahoma Regional Cane Quest with 46 students who are blind or visually impaired ready to prove their white cane proficiency. This competition will begin at noon on Nov. 5 at the school.

Contestants, with white canes, will identify obstacles and changes in surfaces, such as drop-offs at stairs or curbs, in a quest for medals and prizes.

Contestants who use a long white cane demonstrate their orientation and mobility skills. They are divided into three categories based on age and ability. They are also classified into two visual classifications.

More than 80 volunteers from across the state will partner with each participant and score them on their performance.

“Our competition will consist of 14 stations for each of the contestant categories,” said Faye Miller, OSB orientation and mobility specialist and regional Cane Quest coordinator.

A competition category known as Scouts will compete on the OSB campus at 3300 Gibson Street in Muskogee. They will demonstrate basic cane skills, guide skills and work with their volunteer teammates to complete orientation and mobility tasks.

Explorers and Trailblazers will complete five types of street crossings and demonstrate more advanced cane skills along a route in downtown Muskogee.

Rounding out the day is the awards program from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. where all the winners will be announced.

“It’s all about independence,” said Brent Pearce, Oklahoma School for the Blind Superintendent.  “Without white cane skills, a person who is blind or visually impaired is less likely to travel on his or her own. We want our kids to be confident and independent as they succeed in the future.”

Miller said Cane Quest lets students demonstrate their skills and bring together the community with professionals who work with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

“It’s a learning experience for everyone,” she said.

Oklahoma law requires drivers to completely stop their vehicles 15 feet away from pedestrians who are visually impaired and identified by their use of white canes or dog guides. People who violate this law are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to three months or $100 fine or both.

Cane Quest sponsors include:

·         Oklahoma School for the Blind

·         Braille Institute

·         AERBVI

·         Friends of the Library OSLS

·         Liberty Braille

·         Muskogee Youth Volunteer Corps

·         NanoPac

·         NewView Oklahoma

·         OG&E Energy Corporation

·         Oklahoma Chapter of AERBVI

·         Oklahoma Council of the Blind

·         Ruth Kelly Studios

·         Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

·         Transcribing Mariners

·         Tulsa Downtown Lions Club

OSB and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired are divisions of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.

OSB’s staff serves students from preschool through 12th grade, offering specialized educational instruction that meets all state education requirements. Students also receive instruction in Braille, orientation and mobility, assistive technology and other specialty areas. They attend classes Monday through Thursday free of charge and are transported to regional stops throughout the state for holidays, summer breaks and three-day weekends during the regular school year. OSB outreach staff also assist students with visual disabilities who attend other Oklahoma public schools, their families and educators.

For more information, call OSB toll-free at 877-229-7136 or visit osb.k12.ok.us.

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