1. Cane Quest, a program of Braille Institute, is open to visually impaired students in grades 3-12 who have received instruction in the use of the white cane, and who are both cognitively and physically able to walk independently for an hour at a time.
2. A student should be familiar with the skills on the checklist, but does not have to have mastered all of them.
3. A student’s visual acuity must fall within the B1, B2, LV1, and LV2 classification ranges as defined below.
4. Students must use a white cane for this contest, and must wear closed-toe shoes.
5. Cane Quest will be held in-person.
6. Students will compete in one of four groups, in the following categories:
- Tiny Travelers: ages 2-5
- Scouts: grades 3-6
- Pathfinders: grades 7-9*
- Explorers: grades 7-9
- Trailblazers: grades 10-12
*Pathfinder participants are in Grades 7+ with additional disabilities/needs or new to O&M.
7. Students will complete the route or checklist in partnership with a parent or other sighted volunteer, who will be under blindfold for sections of the route.
8. All participants will be monitored at all times throughout the program.
9. Points are earned for accurately completing each stage using proper travel techniques and procedures within the assigned time slot.
10. All judging is performed by certified O&M specialists.
