[Blindtlk] Cane suggestions needed please!

[Graves, Diane]

Hi James,

Well, unfortunately I haven't found this to be a win/win situation. For the purpose of convenience, I really like the telescopic canes. However, what I don't like is the fact that, particularly as they age,  they tend to start folding up on you when contacting items or obstacles which offer any resistance. I stop and tighten them up, and this works for a while, and then they encounter something else and try to collapse again. They look good. They are handy. They definitely stow away quickly and easily, but for the sake of travel, they can be very frustrating, and may even provide a hazard or two.

I did really like the roller tips. I tend to use the constant contact method too. I don't know whether you could put one of these on a telescopic cane or not. The cane wouldn't stow as easily with one of those.

As for the length, if you are 5/5, I definitely would not recommend going to a 46 inch cane. I am 5/1, and usually buy about a 57/58 inch cane. You really want to have that length to assure that you have the coverage and enough forewarning of steps and other things. If you don't want to go any longer with your canes, I definitely wouldn't go any shorter. If you go to a roller tip or one of the larger tips, the cane won't get caught as much.


Diane Graves
Civil Rights Specialist
Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
317-232-2647
 
"It is service that measures success."
George Washington Carver
 
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-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James Kelm
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 1:28 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List; blinddog3 at charter.net
Subject: [Blindtlk] Cane suggestions needed please!

Dear friends,

    I am looking at purchasing a new spiffy hot rod car of a cane, and I am
hoping that some of the mobility experts on this list can help me select the
appropriate cane!

    I am currently using, and have been using for years, a straight folding
cane.  I do a lot of in and out of buildings, as well as a lot of traveling
within the interior of buildings.  I therefore like a cane that I can "fold"
and "unfold" quickly and easily, and that is convenient to stow away when I
am not traveling.  Because of this, a rigid cane is a big hassle for me!  I
like the folding cane, but I am considering getting a telescoping cane.  My
thought is that it will be convenient, and I tend to have a rather light
touch, so I do not need something that will withstand a lot of abuse.  I
also think that it might be a nifty little sport model, to be able to stow
away a very small cane, but quickly pull it out to its length when I need to
go.  Do any of you have suggestions, or feedback concerning the telescoping
canes?

    Secondly, I am considering the advantages/disadvantages of putting a
roller tip on the new cane.  I tend to use a constant contact mythod, rather
than a tap tap style.  Although I have not had any significant issues, I am
wondering if it would be a bit more smooth given my cane method, if my cane
had a roller tip on it.  Am I correct, or is my thinking flawed?

    Lastly, I am a statuesque 5 feet 5 inches tall.  My current folding cane
is 53 inches.  I am thinking that it is too long for me, and that my new
cane should be slightly shorter, maybe around 46 or 48 inches.  As I said,
most of my travel is done within buildings, and I find that the current
length of my cane is always getting caught in objects, or I am having to
pull it more closely into my body to allow it to be used in tighter spaces.
I often feel like either me, or my cane can fit in spaces where I am
traveling, but not both of us!  LOLL

    Thank you so much for your help!  I sincerely appreciate your guidance
and suggestions!


Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor James Kelm
Foundational Christian Family Ministry
www.fcfministry.org


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