{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"More Than a Competition: Minnesota\u2019s First Cane Quest","description":"Minnesota\u2019s 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. \u2022 Students practiced tactile maps, cardinal directions, obstacle detection, stair travel, street crossings, and locating destinations using white cane techniques. \u2022 Activities were designed for different ages, skill levels, and visual abilities, helping students grow through hands-on experiences and peer connections. \u2022 Parents attended informational sessions with experts in orientation and mobility and assistive technology, learning how to better support independence at home and school. \u2022 Volunteers and instructors emphasized allowing students to lead, encouraging confidence and problem-solving skills. \u2022 Paralympian and keynote speaker Max Nelson inspired students with his story of perseverance, independence, and self-confidence. Cane Quest celebrated more than competition\u2014it 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 ","author_name":"Blind Abilities","author_url":"https:\/\/www.BlindAbilities.com","html":"