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Prizes include two Trekker Breeze hand-held GPS units, donated by Humanware

Prizes include two Kapten Plus pocket-sized, personal navigation devices donated by Leader Dogs for the Blind

Cane Quest: An Orientation and Mobility Challenge

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Congratulations to Cane Quest 2012 winners!

Cane Quest 2012 was a huge success with nearly 50 contestants participating this year. The success was thanks to the efforts of more than 40 Orientation and Mobility specialists, plus another 100 volunteers and staff who supported the event.

  • Explorers B1 -- Mario Garcia, First; Seneca Hill, Second; Eva Arellano, Third
  • Explorers B2 -- Jarely Bueno, First; Nick Avalos, Second; Florentino Becerra, Third
  • Trailblazers B1 -- Tiffany Zhao, First; Kimberly O'Campo, Second; Aidee Campa, Third
  • Trailblazers B2 -- Philbert Tjong, First; Melissa Hadiyanto, Second; Ivan Cardenes, Third
  • Congratulations to all our Scouts in the Treasure Quest event!

CANE QUEST is a new orientation and mobility contest sponsored by Braille Institute, open to eligible blind and visually impaired youth in grades 3-12. Contestants in grades 3-6 team up with a blindfolded parent or other sighted adult and compete as a team in their own “Treasure Quest” obstacle course at Braille Institute.

Older contestants in grades 7-12 receive directions for two secret routes out in the community. Routes included:

• mall travel
• residential
• light business or business, including bus travel

"Accomplished orientation and mobility skills can do more than just point you in the right direction...they allow you to own your own independence in any environment."

- Gene Mathiowetz, Orange County Center Director

Rather than a race, it’s more of a rally. Students earn points by completing their routes on time, knowing their cardinal directions, making correct turns right or left, safely crossing streets, and using proper safe-travel techniques and cane skills.

Contestants are monitored at all times by certified volunteers, courtesy of CAOMS, the California Association of Orientation and Mobility Specialists. They also are accompanied one-on-one by a trained “shadow” to ensure they stay on route.

Cane Quest contestant navigates through the course

Cane Quest is a great way for O&M Specialists and parents to motivate students to sharpen their skills. The daylong event include workshops for parents, entertainment and a closing awards ceremony!

Click HERE to view a gallery of photos from the 2012 Cane Quest event. Click HERE to watch Cane Quest 2011 and 2012 videos.

For more information, contact Lea Ann Myers at Braille Institute, at lamyers@brailleinstitute.org, or 714-821-5000.