BY KIM BATTEN
For any parent of young children, the task of getting them fed, dressed and out of the house each day is trying at the best of times.
But it’s also a privilege.
Until recently, I had never taken my children to the park alone, I had never taken them to the library and I had never walked them home from day care.
My name is Kim Batten. I am a blind mother of two beautiful young children, wife to a wonderful husband and teacher to the blind and visually impaired. I am one of 500,000 Australians living with vision loss.
I grew up in a small town in the US. I was partially sighted and I knew the streets well, so I didn’t have to rely on my white cane too heavily to aid my mobility. I enjoyed an active life playing sports at school and going to university away from home in Chicago. But two months after I married my husband, my vision deteriorated rapidly and I lost my sight much sooner than I’d ever anticipated. Just a few months later, I made the nervous decision to move with my husband to Australia – a totally alien environment and one I have never and will never see for myself.
After losing my eyesight and relocating, my self-confidence plummeted. I ruled out the possibility of ever having the same independence I once enjoyed; the idea of being able to navigate myself and my children safely seemed incomprehensible.
The turning point was a visit to Guide Dogs Victoria where I mustered the courage to attend orienteering and mobility training with a white cane. The white cane training has literally changed my life and returned to me the independence I had lost.
Few people realise the white cane is the most widely used mobility aid among people with impaired vision – around 70 percent of Guide Dog Victoria clients use a white cane. Today is International White Cane Day, an occasion to raise awareness of the importance of the white cane – seemingly such a simple tool, but I am proof of what a profound impact it can have on a person’s life.
Kim regained her independence when she learned to use a white cane.
These days I relish the thought of taking my children out every day knowing I have the ability to navigate my way safely and confidently. As it’s near impossible to push a double buggy and navigate with a cane, Guide Dogs Victoria even helped me create a pram that I can pull behind me – an addition that I simply couldn’t live without! Of course there are days when I struggle – but what mother doesn’t?
We all experience moments when the children simply do not want to get dressed, eat their dinner or go to bed. I navigate through these days like anyone else.
On this important day, I invite you to take a moment to appreciate what an incredible gift a white cane can be for the visually impaired or blind.
And if you see someone with a white cane, don’t be afraid to offer a helping hand, but give them the space to navigate safely. Just don’t bump into the cane or attempt to hurdle it when you’re rushing for a bus or train – I can safely say that is our pet hate!
For more information about Guide Dogs Victoria’s services visit their website.
Top Comments
Kim, you have given me another perspective, and reminded me of the huge difference a cane can make to many people, and not just to those who are visually impaired. You never think about these things unless you are faced with realities that make you confront them. My son was born visually impaired and although we introduced the cane to him when he was still a toddler, it was more of a toy and something to toss around. I was secretly relieved at the time because I felt that the cane stigmatised him, whereas without the cane he just looked like a regular sighted kid. I can't tell you how many times I had people give me that look of pity when I explained that Lukas was blind (and I only did that when I was forced to), and how many times I resisted the urge to voice my unprintable reply. Once he was older, much more mobile and in super mega discovery mode, I sometimes had to explain why he insisted on touching everything he possibly could (a trip to the supermarket was practically an day's excursion because he insisted on touching all the vegetables, crinkly candy packets, milk cartons etc etc...and asking a million questions...all very necessary, for obvious reasons, but not very conducive to a quick shop). When Lukas turned six two years ago we realised (me especially - sometimes Mothers do dumb things and can take a while to come around) that he had to use the cane - aside from the necessity of learning how to navigate your way around (at some point you need to be independent, right), it was also important that for his own safety (and sanity), other people knew he was blind. It took me a long time to come to terms with that, and to accept the fact that a cane was an important tool for him. As for Lukas, it's another way to help him live an independent, rich and fulfilling life, and certainly being blind isn't going to get in the way of that. As for me, I am still learning how to be a supportive and encouraging Mum to a very bright, active and gorgeous little boy, who has so many opportunities ahead of him, and am slowly getting there. Congratulations, Kim - and here's to many more park visits with your children, and to lots more joy from your newly earned independence.