[Blindtlk] A Cane for the Blind Improves Social Interactions.

[Cindy Handel]

The first question which came to mind, while reading the beginning of this 
article was, if the blind person needs this cane to let them know when their 
friend is standing right next to them, at the bus stop, then maybe the 
friendship needs some work, because the friend didn't say hello.  Then, what 
if the friend doesn't check in to a social networking site or 4-Square 
everywhere he/she goes?  The blind person will still not know the friend is 
there.

I hope this cane is very good, because the user will be distracted by the 
ear piece in his/her ear, which will take away from traffic sounds or other 
audible cues.

Finally, this student is probably very well intentioned.  But, I wonder how 
many blind people she has talked with about her project.  She said:  "I took 
the approach to serve their emotional needs more than just their
physical needs," and
"Their social life is dependent on the people around them. They cannot say
hi to a friend without the friend saying hi first,"  If the friend is 
talking with someone, a blind person could walk up and say hi.

It doesn't really seem like a strong enough reason for me to spend thousands 
on a cane so I know if a friend is possibly in the area.

Cindy
--

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own 
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths 
straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6