Confident Steps

01/12/2025

Yesterday’s Sunday O&M session was one to remember.

With the opening of the new Melbourne Metro Tunnel, I met two clients at Town Hall station to experience the excitement firsthand - including one who proudly caught the very first train into the tunnel. We moved through the crowds, exploring all 5 of the new station layouts and their accessibility features, and got a real sense of what travelling through this major piece of infrastructure feels like on day one.

We explored the stations themselves as well as how Flinders Street and Town Hall stations, and Melbourne Central and State Library stations connect for pedestrians.

Having the flexibility to work weekends meant that we were able to be there right at the moment it opened and be part of the excitement.

New public transport infrastructure is a big deal in O&M. It reshapes the city and changes how people with vision impairment move through it. Being part of Melbourne’s history as it unfolds was very exciting!

11/11/2025

Exploring the world - one playground at a time.
This week, I had the joy of supporting a young student who is blind to explore his new local playground.
In this session, we had the space to move slowly - to touch, climb, and discover.
He carefully explored the rope climbing frame and proudly made his way to the top of the slide on his own with verbal prompting.
By exploring when the playground was quiet, he could build a mental map of what’s there - where the slide begins, where the swings are, how the ropes are spaced - so that next time he visits with friends, he already knows what’s available and can join in with confidence.
That’s what Orientation & Mobility is all about - building the skills, awareness, and confidence to participate fully in the world.

Image description: child at the top of a high slide with a rope structure in the foreground.

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20/10/2025

Did you know?
White isn’t the only colour that represents blindness or low vision.

While the traditional white cane is widely recognised, many people now choose coloured long canes to express their individuality, style, or simply to make something that’s part of their everyday life a bit more them.

The colour of the cane doesn’t change its purpose - every cane still represents independence, mobility, and confidence. What’s changing is how people choose to show up in the world.

For those who’ve ordered their coloured canes - they’re on their way! You’ll soon have your new canes in hand, ready to travel with a little extra personality.

18/10/2025

I had the opportunity to line up early this morning with other public transport enthusiasts to attend the sneak peek event for the new State Library Station - a very exciting milestone for Melbourne’s transport network.

As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, my interest was checking out the accessibility features and building some understanding of how my clients will navigate the station, as well as how they will transfer between Melbourne Central and State Library stations to open up access to many destinations beyond the CBD.
My highlights were the platform screen doors which enhance safety by making it easier to identify train doors and board with confidence and the inclusion of braille and tactile signage in lots of places. Overall I was very impressed!!

It’s an exciting time to be an O&M in Melbourne. The 5 new Metro Tunnel stations will open up safer, smoother travel for people who are blind or have low vision - improving access to places like Melbourne University and making independent travel even more achievable.

15/10/2025

Today we celebrate International White Cane Day.

The white cane is often seen as a symbol of personal freedom - a tool that supports safe and confident movement through the world. But it’s also a bridge - connecting people through shared experience and understanding.

In my work as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, I’ve seen how powerful that connection can be. Whether it’s children meeting others who also use a cane for the first time, or adults sharing stories of travel and independence - the cane becomes more than a mobility aid. It becomes a symbol of belonging.

The photo says it all: a handful of canes, a world of possibilities -and the joy of knowing no one travels this path alone.

Image description - person holding 8 canes with an amusement park ride in the background. The canes are different colours and lengths, with different tips and handles. The group of long cane users were on rides and this photo is of the 'cane minder'

26/08/2025

Registrations for Explorers United group programs these school holidays are now open. If you have been on an EU program before you should have all the details in an email sent yesterday. If you would like more information or to be sent the registration form, please get in contact via phone or email.

25/08/2025

In this photo, a lift button has been repurposed to serve as “up” — the arrow works visually and tactually but the braille tells a different story. To a braille reader, both buttons say down, and one is even upside down, making it unreadable.
A small change with good intentions has ended up removing access for those who rely on braille. It’s a reminder that true accessibility means thinking beyond the surface.

21/08/2025

I couldn’t resist capturing this image of a client walking along a train platform as the sun was setting ahead of her! She is making such huge gains towards independent travel into the city and this sunset felt like the perfect way to finish the session.

Image shows the back of a person walking along a train platform. Her long cane is on the Tactile Ground surface indicators. In front of her the sun is big and bright and low in the sky as it sets.

03/03/2025

Explorers United Kids 7-14 years O&M programs 2025.

We are excited to launch our calendar for 2025 and January 2026.
Reach out if you have any questions or would like more information. We look forward to seeing you at an Explorers United event!

Image description:
Flyer with images of children having fun in different settings.
Text reads -
Come and join us in 2025 for group Orientation and Mobility programs! Our programs run over 2 days each school holidays.
Join Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists to develop skills and confidence through these fun school holiday programs.
1. Risky Business
April 14 & 15
Learn how to assess and manage risks in various environments through fun, hands on activities.
Includes a trip to Inflatable world and Gumbuya world.
2. Raise your Voice
July 14 & 15
Develop self advocacy skills to confidently express your personal needs, request accommodations, and navigate new environments with independence. Enjoy a live show and have a go at an improvisation class!
3. Little Foodies
September 29 & 30
Learn basic kitchen skills, utensil safety, and simple recipes. Plan, shops and prepare delicious snacks and treats. This program is run with the support of an Occupational Therapist.
4. Amazing Race
January 19 & 20, 2026
Just like the TV show, we will use O&M skills including public transport, self advocacy, technology and more to complete challenges, overcome road blocks and win the Amazing Race.

Contact Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0424 860 836 to find out more or email explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com

03/03/2025

Upcoming Explorers United programs for Youth 14-24 years.

We are excited to launch our group programs for 2025!
We hope to see you at an Explorers United event soon!

Image description:
Flyer with images of a theme park ride, a young woman with a microphone, young people cooking, and a group of people doing a high 5.
Text reads -

Youth 14-24 years 2025
Come and join us in 2025 for group Orientation and Mobility Programs! Our programs run over 2 days each school holidays.
Join Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists to develop skills and confidence through these fun school holiday programs.

1. Fearless Factor
April 16 & 17
Learn how to assess and manage risks in various environments through fun, hands on activities. Includes a trip to indoor rock climbing and Gumbuya theme park
2. Mic Drop Moments
July 17 & 18
Develop self advocacy skills to confidently express yourself and communicate effectively with the general public. Enjoy a live show and have a go at an Improvisation class.
3. The Foodie Quest
October 2 & 3
Build confidence by making simple meals as a group. Research recipes, plan and budget for your shopping. Includes a delicious foodies tour of Melbourne. This program is run with the support of an Occupational Therapist.
4. Amazing Race
January 22 & 23, 2026
Just like the TV show we will use O&M skills including public transport, self advocacy, technology and more to complete challenges, overcome road blocks and win the Amazing Race around Melbourne.

Contact Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0424 860 836 to find out more or email explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com

20/11/2024

This will be the last Explorers United group program for the year! What a busy 2024 we have had!
Reach out if you have any questions or would like to register.