[Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users

[Penny Stevenson]

Hi there all,
I'm an O&M from Melbourne Australia. I'm working with a totally blind guy (tiny bit of light perception) who is currently in a manual wheelchair.
His goal is to get up to his local shops which is certainly attainable however we have a few little access issues to tackle first.
I'm wanting to hear stories / hints / tips / wheelchair config ideas from those of you who aren't relying much on using your remaining vision to get around.
Basically there aren't a lot of people mobilising independently in wheelchairs with low vision (requiring a long cane for example), let alone someone with no vision. We are having trouble convincing the funding authorities that this client is going to be safe. I have been working with him pushing his manual chair whilst he is learning the cane and he is able to detect obstacles and can describe a route. We are only up to week 3 so have a bit further to go in terms of having this student become as independent as he can using a manual chair. We have a bit more work to do on road crossings for example.
Looking forward to hearing your experiences.
>From Penny Stevenson

Penny Stevenson
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Vision Australia
346 Macaulay Rd. (Cnr Stubbs St. - Enter via Stubbs St.)
Kensington, VIC, 3031
Direct line: 03  8378 1183
General: 1300 847 466
Fax: 03 8378 1201

www.visionaustralia.org.au<http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>
ABN: 67 108 391 831
ACN: 108 391 831

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