SPE 518 Power Point on SPE 518 Power Point on Constant Contact by Sandy Constant Contact by Sandy

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• Constant contact is a common long cane technique in which the cane is held in front of the student.

• It then sweeps from side to side, but unlike the touch technique, the cane tip remains in contact with the ground or floor.

• The constant contact technique allows for earlier detection of a drop-off or intersection, and changes in the footpath, such as moving from cement to brick.

• This technique is used with children, as well as those just learning to use a cane.

• Hard floor surfaces and mushroom or ball cane tips help the cane slide more easily.

• If the student is a child, the instructor can stand in front of him or her, feet spread apart, and have the child gently move the cane between the instructor’s feet.

• The range of positions in which the cane is still in front of the student’s body can be felt.

• The child will learn to move the cane gently.

• According to Joe Cutter, author of an article for the Blind Children’s Resource Center entitled The Long Cane, “Side to side, slide it wide” is another way to say “constant contact”.

• Remind the student to cover the whole body using the cane, shoulder to shoulder, protecting the body at all times.