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Safety is paramount when it comes to overseeing the education and play of young children. The Pediatric Belt Cane plays a crucial role in reducing risks associated with immature cane handling. When a cane is dropped or misplaced, the child may be vulnerable to tripping or losing orientation. The belt eliminates these hazards by keeping the cane firmly attached.

In the latest episode of the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS) Podcast, Creating an Easier-to-Navigate World for Children, Safe Toddles President and CEO Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Ph.D., joins host Robert Rothman to discuss her groundbreaking work developing the Pediatric Belt Cane—a first-of-its-kind mobility device that’s changing what’s possible for blind and visually impaired children.

Safe Toddles announces a major milestone: transitioning from 3D-printed to injection molded plastic parts for the Pediatric Belt Cane. This advancement means stronger, heat-resistant, and more durable components, helping children who are blind or visually impaired move safely and confidently.

Safe Toddles receives a $30,000 grant from the William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation—their second year of support—to expand early mobility access for blind children through Pediatric Belt Canes, training, and family outreach.

Discover the fascinating origin story of orientation and mobility (O&M) for children born with visual impairments. From early pre-cane skills to the invention of the long cane, learn how blind children and WWII veterans shaped safe independent mobility, and why early intervention transformed the way blind toddlers learn to navigate their world.

From the 1700s to the 1900s, blind children were often excluded from mobility training and safe exploration. This post traces the evolution of early intervention practices—from the first institutions for blind youth to the emergence of orientation and mobility education. Learn how early efforts, both groundbreaking and flawed, laid the groundwork for today’s innovations in independent movement for children born blind.