[Blind-rollers] Obsticle detection for manual wheelchairs

[qubit]

hmm -- you sound tall to me...*smile* I'm 4ft6.
And I also go slowly on my own steam -- I used to go fast down long straight 
uncluttered hallways when I knew there were no obstacles (except for the 
occasional walking kind...) but in unfamiliar territory I am scared as heck 
going anywhere myself.  And I have OI or brittle bones and fracture easily, 
so spills out of the chair are disastrous.  Recently I took up ham radio and 
last summer attended the handiham camp/seminars which was a week of fun and 
radio study in a local campground.  It was accessible, albeit hilly, like 
any wooded area is.  I didn't go anywhere without an attendant, but one day, 
I was so used to the free atmosphere that I grabbed my wheels and made a 
turn and moved ahead.  The attendant grabbed my chair and said I had almost 
gone over a drop-off.
So much for exploration.
I used to be able to walk. I got along a lot better then, with my arms free 
to use the cane and feel around, but I got into a lot of spills and 
fractured a few too many bones.
So much for that.
Anyone else a ham?
In any case, this is KD0FFV, 73, which means ending transmission, have a 
nice day...
--le


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erica Cole" <rebellion220 at hotmail.com>
To: "'Blind wheelchair users list'" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2009 6:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Obsticle detection for manual wheelchairs


Thank you!
And its nice to find another foot paddler!
Usually I am fine moving around in my manual chair. If I'm going somewhere
I'll use a cane in one hand, then paddle with my feet and use one rim.
I know when I do go under my own steam I am incredibly slow! And I tire
easily.
 I'd love to find a chair that has adjustable height though, because I'm
always a bit too high for best paddling (sorry but it's the best way to
describe pulling myself forward with my feet), but then when I'm in
somewhere for example a restaurant I'm not high enough for eating
comfortably!I'm short - only 5FT,  so a rather picky individual!


Nice talking to you.

Erica.
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of qubit
Sent: 12 October 2009 22:39
To: Blind wheelchair users list
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Obsticle detection for manual wheelchairs

It's interesting -- I avoid a power chair because I can't see and don't want
to destroy everything in my path, and myself with it, but there are also
people on the list who have power chairs and are doing quite well with them.
I have strong enough arms to push a manual and can move around enough to
stear with my feet, which I would lose if I got a power chair. I'd also lose
$4k buying one.
But it would free up at least one arm to carry something which I can't do
with the manual.
Let's take a vote -- if this were yahoogroups I could put up a poll, but I
don't think nfbnet supports that here... But the poll question is: Do you
consider a power chair to be more or less difficult for a blind and disabled
person than a manual?
(1) more difficult
(2) easier
(3) I don't know
Any additional comments welcome.
Oh and Erica, you aren't bugging anyone in the least -- this is a low
traffic list -- we welcome posts from members, especially if they are on
topic.
Have a great evening!
--le

----- Original Message -----
From: "Erica Cole" <rebellion220 at hotmail.com>
To: "'Blind wheelchair users list'" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2009 3:47 PM
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Obsticle detection for manual wheelchairs


Sorry to bug you all again so soon, but I'm wondering.
Right now I use a manual wheelchair.
I probably should look into getting an electric one, but for now, I at m
interested to know what you all use to see in front of you.
Fo example, long cane, guide cane, k-sonar etc.

Thoughts?

Erica.

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