Kai has many issues. A long list of labels and needs. The one that impacts him the most is the visual impairment. The professionals say he can see. There isn't much support. He is going blind with a degenerative eye disease, connected to his syndrome. Until his eyes are bad enough...we're on our own. That said, for now he can see. But not well. He struggles in all new situations. He needs bright light. He has a really hard time seeing the ground. Curbs and roots are his enemy. He is fearful in new places. Movie theaters terrify him but there is popcorn and ice tea so he braves it but makes it very clear I have to hold his hand and sit beside him. When Luk is in his chair Kai holds a strap on the handle. At first this was meant to keep him close to me, not wondering off and touching everything and everyone. These are still concerns however it's more about his security. He knows the chair slows down for curbs and bumps.
We have a Disney trip coming up in December. Disney is NOT wheelchair friendly and it's got a LOT of dark places. Like...all of the line ups. So I ordered a white walking stick for Kai. Eric took it apart and made it shorter. Kai thinks it's super cool. He loves the idea that it will help him trip and fall down less. We have no idea how to teach him but we'll muddle through as always. Right now he says it's too heavy so it's short lessons ;) Kai says everything is too hard, too heavy and takes too long. He likes to avoid all movement except rolling on the floor.
