What position should a learner maintain when using a human guide?

When using a human guide, the optimal position for a learner is just half a step behind the guide, allowing for overlapping shoulders. This positioning is crucial for several reasons.

First, being slightly behind the guide gives the learner a clear line of sight to follow the guide's movements without obstructing their ability to navigate. The overlapping of shoulders ensures that the learner can maintain contact with the guide, which is important for communication and for receiving subtle cues about changes in direction or terrain.

Moreover, this positioning allows the learner to rely on the guide’s movement while still being close enough to adapt to any immediate needs, such as navigating through narrow spaces or avoiding obstacles. It also facilitates a smoother flow of movement between the guide and the learner, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the guiding technique.

In contrast, being directly in front of the guide could cause confusion about navigation and direction, as the learner may not see where the guide is going. Being to the side at arm's length might create too much distance to maintain effective communication and coordination, particularly in crowded or complex environments. Lastly, remaining as far behind as necessary could lead to the learner losing track of the guide, diminishing the safety and efficiency of the mobility experience.