009 The White Cane Complexity with Hannah Kleinschmidt COMS CVRT

Orientation and mobility specialist Hannah Kleinschmidt shares her journey from receiving O&M training as a young person with albinism to becoming a certified instructor who helps adults adjust to vision loss. Hannah discusses the emotional challenges many people face when first using a white cane, explaining how it serves both as a practical mobility tool and a visible identifier that changes how others interact with you. She walks us through what O&M training involves—from learning to trust the cane and cross streets non-visually to using public transportation and asking for help effectively. Hannah emphasizes that everyone's experience with the cane is different, and she offers insight into how instructors balance technical skill-building with the mental and emotional adjustments that come with vision loss. With candor and compassion, she shares both her personal story and professional perspective on helping people regain independence and confidence.

Topics covered: orientation and mobility, O&M training, white cane, mobility instruction, albinism, legal blindness, low vision, street crossing, public transportation, guide dogs, vision loss adjustment, disability acceptance, independence, pedestrian skills, assistive technology, vision rehabilitation, asking for help, mobility specialist.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor.

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