[Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

[Carly Mihalakis]

Good morning, Peter, and all.

 From what I here, the late Ben Underwood also chose not to use a 
cane but relied on echolocation exclusively to get an image of his 
environment, so, let us not assume that what works for us, ought to 
work just as well for the next guy because,, as you know, an 
individual traveler will figure out what works for him and how best 
to implement such strategies. Personally, I rely on a combination of 
information that flows through a long, white stick as well as 
echolocation to further define what the stick tells me of my 
surroundings. Does said blind person's failure to use his cane make 
his mobility skills less affective than they are with cane? Can one 
tell a difference? Personally, I think sending the guy home in a cab 
without his doing what he came to do is extreme, particularly if he 
can manage just as well.
for today, Carly

is totally blind and absolutely
>refuses to use a cane. They recently showed up at our Christmas party and
>had to be helped in to and out of the meeting room we used for this event.
>Members were surprised when they discovered that this person showed up
>without their cane. When later questioned about this the person began giving
>us all manner of excuse. They told us that their neurologist and past O&M
>instructors recommended against the use of the cane due to this person's
>having seizures. This individual attended Perkins along with a number of
>other schools for the blind. I know for a fact that at least while at
>Perkins this individual lived in a cottage with another person who also has
>seizures and is one of the best travelers I know. Like this person, the
>confident cane user is totally blind and is someone I came to know well. The
>individual in question undoubtedly met many other successful blind cane
>users with other disabilities. I myself have seizures and sleep apnea and
>use both a cane and a dog depending on the situation.
>
>     The individual refusing to use their cane has all ready been told by
>several members in the area that if they wish to visit them the/she must
>bring their cane and use it to get from their transportation in to our
>residence and if necessary use the cane during their visit.
>
>     When attempting to reason with the person in question members have been
>accused of "Bullying" them and have heard all excuses in the book why he/she
>cannot use a cane proficiently. The individual has been told that
>neurologists are not qualified to determine whether or not the use of a
>travel aid can effect one's seizures. The evidence to the contrary is over
>whelmingly against this horsepuckey. As we also know not all blindness
>professionals have true belief in the capabilities of the blind. This
>individual obviously had a few such persons in their life to sell them short
>on their ability to travel independently and on the importance of using a
>cane or a dog. The individual has been told that if they show up at any of
>our homes without their cane we will call them a cab and promptly send them
>home at their expense something they can avoid simply by listening to reason
>and using their cane whenever traveling. We're busy people. The last thing
>we need to have to do is take someone to the emergency room when we know
>that an individual has complete disregard for their personal safety and as
>negligent. It seems like direct threat provisions of the ADA may apply in
>this situation where public venues are concerned. The lawyers can help us
>wit this one.
>
>     We want to help this person achieve a higher degree of independence and
>be an active member of our chapter. While we won't prohibit them from
>joining us they'll be a more effective contributor to the cause if they
>would embrace the alternative techniques of blindness and use them
>regularly. Thanks for your help and suggestions.
>
>
>  Peter Donahue
>
>  "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper."
>Isaiah 54:17
>
>  "While for our princes they prepare
>In caverns deep a burning snare,
>He shot from heaven a piercing ray,
>And the dark treachery brought to day."
>Anonymous
>
>
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