https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p By Emma Verrall, Veer Khosa & Anagha Raj en-us 2023-10-06 16:56:57 UTC 2023-10-06 20:46:23 UTC hello@padlet.com 8vrpb2z6gn https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735895483 Belt canes are used for children who are born both blind or mobility impaired. They are made to help children to age appropriately with their walking abilities. 

What Need does it fufil? 
- Walking and running
- Independence
- Navigation ]]> 2023-10-06 16:59:42 UTC https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735895483 8vrpb2z6gn https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735896432 What is it? 
- A rectangular cane that is placed at the child's waist with two light weight bars going towards the ground. These bars are then connected at the bottom of the cane to form the rectangle. The belt then connects to the cane with magnets  

Aspects/customizations: 
- Standard and custom sizes to suit your child's needs as they grow
- Molded grip handle for comfortable and secure use.
- Reflective tape for increased visibility and safety.
- Durable yet lightweight construction for ease of use
What does it do? 
- Helps children start walking on time and align with their development age of walking.

Where can you get it? 
- Order online (Safetoddles.org) 
- Homemade (HomeDepot, HomeHardware)
- PVC Pipes, glue etc)

What is the cost? 
- $100 to $190plus ]]> 2023-10-06 17:00:35 UTC https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735896432 8vrpb2z6gn https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735896724 Pros: 
- Increased independence
- Reduces risks of injury 
- Improved social skills 
- Improved cognitive and motor skill
- Subsidized rates or free of costs as per the non-profit organization (SafeToddles) 

Cons: 
- Long waiting time (production times, production rates are too high) 
- Needs consistent practice for independence 

Strengths:
- Encouraged to walk and run independently
- Increase the amount of walking and running they can do on their own
- Transformative engine for social mobility 
- Increased confidence in navigating their surroundings and explore new spaces

Challenges: 
- Low awareness ]]> 2023-10-06 17:00:52 UTC https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735896724 8vrpb2z6gn https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735897071  We WOULD recommend the belt cane! 
- It is accessible, affordable and useful for the overall development
- It can increase independence from an early age which is very important. ]]> 2023-10-06 17:01:07 UTC https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735897071 8vrpb2z6gn https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735897729 Belt-cane purpose and description: 
https://youtu.be/6JfbZtqvdJo?si=b1Ysvj5O28HM6SfS

A toddler using it ambitiously and independently: 
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2021/06/08/belt-cane-for-visually-impaired-kids-#

Request form for toddler and families: 
https://www.safetoddles.org/requestfreecane

Description and website link: 
https://www1.cuny.edu/mu/forum/2021/04/26/wearable-toddler-cane-invented-and-produced-by-cuny-consortium-has-aided-nearly-1200-blind-children-in-45-states-and-21-countries/
https://www.safetoddles.org/

How to make a HOMEMADE BELT CANE: https://www.safetoddles.org/post/an-illustrated-guide-to-homemade-belt-canes

]]> 2023-10-06 17:01:33 UTC https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2735897729 veerkhosa1313_ https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2736089750 2023-10-06 20:32:53 UTC https://padlet.com/8vrpb2z6gn/xorzcpshv781ke6p/wish/2736089750