Apologies for the waffle that is about to happen, but it needs to be said!
I sometimes can’t believe I never used my white stick until i was in mid twenties. I wish I could turn back time and tell my younger self that using something like a accessibility aid does not make you look weak, in fact, it makes you look effing strong. If you’re wondering how I coped without one when my vision is approximately 1/60 and 3/60… I didn’t. I would constantly rely on friends and would link arms with people wherever I went. Or if I was alone, I would walk slowly and with my head constantly looking down at the floor, almost hunched over so that I could try and make sure I don’t trip or fall over any obstacles. I looked so much more vulnerable then, whereas now when I walk with my stick I’m able to walk fast, safely and with a ton of confidence. So if your little one (or yourself) is shy or uncomfortable about using an aid, please tell them my story