# More Than a Competition: Minnesota's First Cane Quest

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/blind-abilities-173427/more-than-a-competition-minnesota-s-first-cane-quest
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/blind-abilities-173427/more-than-a-competition-minnesota-s-first-cane-quest.md
Podcast: [Blind Abilities](https://stenobird.com/podcast/blind-abilities-173427)
Published: 2026-05-22T16:08:00+00:00
Episode link: https://blindabilities.com/?p=9527
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/blindabilities/CaneQuest2026.mp3?dest-id=254899
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/blind-abilities-173427/episodes/more-than-a-competition-minnesota-s-first-cane-quest
Duration seconds: 2021

## Resource

Minnesota's first Cane Quest brought together students, families, teachers, orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, and volunteers for a day focused on confidence, independence, and real-world travel skills. • Students practiced tactile maps, cardinal directions, obstacle detection, stair travel, street crossings, and locating destinations using white cane techniques. • Activities were designed for different ages, skill levels, and visual abilities, helping students grow through hands-on experiences and peer connections. • Parents attended informational sessions with experts in orientation and mobility and assistive technology, learning how to better support independence at home and school. • Volunteers and instructors emphasized allowing students to lead, encouraging confidence and problem-solving skills. • Paralympian and keynote speaker Max Nelson inspired students with his story of perseverance, independence, and self-confidence. Cane Quest celebrated more than competition—it highlighted mobility, teamwork, community support, and the belief that blind and visually impaired students can achieve extraordinary goals. - The Minnesota Cane Quest Planning Team Madi Ericksen, BrightWorks/SparkPath Colleen Feller, BrightWorks/SparkPath Jenny Pelletier, State Services for the Blind Joya Musa, Minneapolis Public Schools Allison Knigge, Minneapolis Public Schools Links of interests: The Spectacle Newsletter Youth Services at SSB Full Transcript

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## Transcript

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