[Blind-Rollers] New member

Sat Oct 2 21:06:48 UTC 2021

Rocky bottom? Cool. I read about Rocky bottom when Don Capps was still alive.  He was a first generation leader of NFB.  I think NFB of south Carolina ended up taking over rocky bottom.  Isn’t that right? Hopefully they will have some good structured discovery teachers working with you guys. Maybe even a Louisiana Tech NOMC For orientation and mobility. This means regardless of that person‘s experience with walkers, she or he will keep their expectations high and keep problem-solving with you until you can do the things you want to do.  
You’re right, try the walker first but if that gets to be too difficult, just remember that the wheelchair is not a step backwards or down. It is a step out the door.  

Good luck and have fun at Rocky bottom,

Jane Lansaw

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 2, 2021, at 3:53 PM, Melanie Torrance via Blind-Rollers <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Jane and everybody-Thanks so much for your wisdom, and lengthy responses. This is great! Jane, I have never considered a wheelchair, but I will spend some time pondering that idea. Yes, my neuropathy is permanent and will not improve. My first inclination though, would be to try the cane and walker approach first. 
>     I am going to a Senior Blind camp at the end of October and an O&M specialist will be there. That will be a perfect time and place to practice, and we will be going on outings as well.
>     Thanks again-I now have plenty to think about and work on! By the way, I live in Columbia, SC and our Retreat and Conference Center ( where the Camp is), is called “Rocky Bottom”, and is located in Sunset, SC in the mountains just south of Brevard, N.C. I’ll keep ya’ll posted.
> Melanie
> 
> Sent from Melanie's i phone
> 
>> On Oct 2, 2021, at 4:21 PM, maureen Pranghofer via Blind-Rollers <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi
>> I went through a local clinic for people born with disabilities called Gillette Lifetime they also do custom seating for wheelchair and I would think any place that does wheelchair seating or a PT at a rehab center could help.
>> Maureen
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Blind-Rollers <blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Melanie Torrance via Blind-Rollers
>> Sent: Saturday, October 2, 2021 3:11 PM
>> To: Melanie Torrance via Blind-Rollers <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Melanie Torrance <melanietorrance at icloud.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Blind-Rollers] New member
>> 
>> Maureen-that is an excellent idea r.e. hand troughs! Who did you contact to outfit the walker in such a way? Melanie
>> 
>> Sent from Melanie's i phone
>> 
>>>> On Oct 2, 2021, at 4:05 PM, Melanie Torrance via Blind-Rollers <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Thank you Becky! Does anyone know the names of these vibrating 
>>> devices?This is news to me, and sounds like a possible option. Any 
>>> information would be much appreciated. Melanie
>>> 
>>> Sent from Melanie's i phone
>>> 
>>>>> On Oct 2, 2021, at 3:07 PM, Becky Frankeberger via Blind-Rollers <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Melanie, welcome. I am Becky from Washington State. Broke my back 
>>>> several times and now use a manual wheelchair. Perhaps the better 
>>>> idea if you must use a walker, is a mini guide or any of the 
>>>> vibrating devices out there that will show you obsticles early. Your 
>>>> front of the walker will show you inclines and steps. Just make sure 
>>>> you are balanced on the back wheels of the walker. Perhaps if you 
>>>> don't like the balancing on the back wheels a frame can be built out 
>>>> of PVC plastic pipe with two wheels a foot or two ahead of you. You 
>>>> could also use your IPhone and have IRA (spelled wrong) so a sighted 
>>>> helper could help you avoid obsticles. People are doing this in 
>>>> airports I hear and in some larger  retail stores. Others are using 
>>>> this service for short walks on the street. Or join me in the 
>>>> wheelchair. The cane is in my right hand. My left is propelling the wheel. My feet keep the chair straight.
>>>> 
>>>> Hey let's brain storm with this fine lady gang, smile.
>>>> 
>>>> Becky in her Joy Wheels     
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Blind-Rollers <blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of 
>>>> Melanie Torrance via Blind-Rollers
>>>> Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2021 9:24 AM
>>>> To: Blind-Rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> Cc: Melanie Torrance <melanietorrance at icloud.com>
>>>> Subject: [Blind-Rollers] New member
>>>> 
>>>> Hello-I am new to this group and wanted to introduce myself. My name 
>>>> is Melanie and I am a blind diabetic. I have to use a walker due to 
>>>> peripheral neuropathy of both feet. The walker aids with my balance. 
>>>> I have some vision remaining and can do ok in familiar surroundings. 
>>>> My problem is bright sunshine or at night. This is when I could 
>>>> really use a cane! I was cane trained before my neuropathy 
>>>> progressed. Any tips or advice would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!
>>>> Melanie
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from Melanie's i phone
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