More Than a Competition: Minnesota's First Cane Quest

Minnesota's first Cane Quest brought together students, families, teachers, orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, and volunteers for a day focused on confidence, independence, and real-world travel skills. • Students practiced tactile maps, cardinal directions, obstacle detection, stair travel, street crossings, and locating destinations using white cane techniques. • Activities were designed for different ages, skill levels, and visual abilities, helping students grow through hands-on experiences and peer connections. • Parents attended informational sessions with experts in orientation and mobility and assistive technology, learning how to better support independence at home and school. • Volunteers and instructors emphasized allowing students to lead, encouraging confidence and problem-solving skills. • Paralympian and keynote speaker Max Nelson inspired students with his story of perseverance, independence, and self-confidence. Cane Quest celebrated more than competition—it highlighted mobility, teamwork, community support, and the belief that blind and visually impaired students can achieve extraordinary goals.   - The Minnesota Cane Quest Planning Team Madi Ericksen, BrightWorks/SparkPath Colleen Feller, BrightWorks/SparkPath Jenny Pelletier, State Services for the Blind Joya Musa, Minneapolis Public Schools Allison Knigge, Minneapolis Public Schools   Links of interests: The Spectacle Newsletter Youth Services at SSB Full Transcript