[Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Sun Dec 16 15:47:19 UTC 2012

I get it. . . I met a blind person at a michigan center who said  he
wanted to have kids ASAP, because he thought he couldn't play sports
with them if he couldn't see at all.
I pointed out that I was blind since birth due to my cleft and I used
to play sports as a kid. There was no convincing him however, no
matter how much I hung out with him. I just cross my fingers that he's
doing fine these days as that was years ago, and we did manage to ride
a tandum bike right off the porch!!!!! Lol!! Fun times, fun times!!

As to the speciffic use of the cane, I didn't use it in middle or high
school and I rarely used a sighted guide either. I got around by
listening very carefully. Thing was, at the time I thought that was
what made the other kids hate me, when they "saw" my cane. It was only
later I realized it was my face with all manner of surgeries and
longer still before I realized it was their stupidity and I was in no
way shape or form to blame for what they did to me.
I will also tell you though, that fitting in is a hard thing to shake
no matter how old you are. I'm heading to Naropa u for schooling in
Boulder Co and I hope everyday to make new friends. I won't dwell on
it, but I admit I will hope for it, because who doesn't? Unless you're
an ogre or something. . .
As for what someone else brought up about mode of travel, that is a
personal one to. I've been using my cane for a couple years now, but
with my move looming ever larger *I leave on January 3rd*, I've been
using my Dad alot for sighted-guide. It's one more way to be closer to
him until I leave, so yes, it is a very personal decision.

On 12/16/12, Carly Mihalakis <carlymih at comcast.net> wrote:
> 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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