[Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Sun Dec 16 15:51:45 UTC 2012

Aren't such incidents part of the American experience? (grin)

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Diane
Graves
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 7:45 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Ray,

You must have some really tough feet. LOL I can't imagine being barefoot
anywhere accept my house--unless I was at a pool or something, of course.
Guess I stepped on a few too many bees as a kid, or walked on a few too many
hot sidewalks. LOL

Diane Graves

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ray Foret
Jr
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 10:35 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Refusal To Use A Cane

And for me, the combination of using a cane and being barefooted (when
possible) is a help.  Now, of course, I think it seems to be the case that
we're all saying pretty much the same thing.  Seems to me that everyone who
has posted on this topic seems to be of the view that force is most
definently not the way to go with this.

Sincerely,
The Constantly Barefooted Ray
Still a very proud and happy Mac and Iphone user!

On Dec 16, 2012, at 9:23 AM, 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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> 
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