An O&M riding toy!

They always like the cheap toys best. Save your money!

My husband and I picked out a fancy riding toy for Thomas this past Christmas. We thought it would be great because it had a nice tall handle on the back so you could push him around without breaking your back. The only problem was that you must steer it. Big mistake. Since Tom can't see he can't steer very well! Oh the mistakes sighted parents make... Can sighted children steer at this age?

free to a good home!

My husband's parents bought Thomas a small riding train at a yard sale that cost $.80 and that toy is the clear winner. Yes, 80 cents! It has no steering, just a fixed bar to hold onto with a nice big button that makes a train sound.

A very loud and long train sound that he LOVES! I had to put two layers of thick medical tape over the sound holes to bring the sound down to a reasonable level. I don't know what kind of standards they have for loudness in kids toys, but apparently if it's less than jet takeoff it's Ok. I don't understand why some toys are so ridiculously loud?

The simple design of this toy means you steer it with your feet. It works out great. Since the front is wide open he can explore whatever he drives into (Ok, rams into) with his hands.

There is a little grill on the bottom of the train that acts like a safety bumper. He has been all around the house at high speed on this little train. It's like bumper cars, only it's Tom and his train against the furniture. And sometimes it's Tom and his train against the cats! But the cats are used to Tom and his antics and are quick to get out of the way. No animals are being harmed, I promise!

It's great to see him exploring the house and having a great time. He seems to be using whatever bit of vision he has to navigate. He has at least light perception and possibly the ability to see large shapes. Whatever vision he has, he is using it and having a great time on his new toy!

Tom found a plant in his travels and tried to get rid of that pesky thing for me.

Please note, I am not an O&M (orientation and mobility) specialist. I just mean that Thomas is using this toy to safely explore and learn about his home environment.

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