WALKING TWENTY-FIVE KILOMETRES
By Kim Pilic

As an Independent Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist, I love the opportunity to walk with people during white cane and travel route training. This week was no exception, having walked twenty-five kilometres in total between Monday to Friday.

O&M is a vocation that often requires walking in various environments, from the metropolis of Brisbane, to beachside suburbs of the Gold Coast, as well as rural locations in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. In addition, walking backwards along pavements is not an unusual occurrence when providing beginner long cane training sessions. This method of walking allows best observation from an instructional point of view when monitoring midline position of hand and cane, as well as developing straight line projections, correcting veers, and generally building the cane traveller’s confidence in navigating with a newly acquired primary mobility aid.

As the Founder of Forward Steps Mobility, I feel very humbled and privileged to have assisted countless individuals with independent community access over the past thirty years. It is also a joy of heart and a privilege to continue providing O&M services to this day, and into the future, as an independent service provider.

Now, for a question: I wonder how many kilometres I’ve walked in thirty years, to date? I’m sure the answer would be quite astounding! On that note, it’s time to sit down at the desk with a nice hot cup of tea, putting my feet up for a rest in readiness for tomorrow’s Story Bridge climb. More walking ahead - brilliant!!!