[Blindtlk] learning cane skills

[Heather Field]

Hello Chris,
I totally believe that you can learn the necessary cane skills with only 
assistance from blind folks who are good cane travellers. I have never had a 
formal mobility lesson in my life. I trained my own guide dogs and was a 
guide dog user for 20 years. After I retired my last dog, I also relocated 
and circumstances warranted using a cane. I simply went to the NFB store at 
convention, bought a long cane and started using it. I had some basic 
guidance and advice from a few competent blind cane travellers at convention 
and I never looked back.
I been using my cane for the last 15 years, to travel independently in the 
U.S. and when I travel abroad. So, I don't believe that you need sighted 
assistance to get your travel skills up to speed. I would encourage you to 
reach out to the blind folks in your area whom you know are good cane 
travellers. Or, alternatively, take Marci up on her offer to put you in 
touch with some. I wouldn't waste my time, energy or money on going to a 
formal programme. It's not that I think the programme is bad, I have no 
opinion on the programme. I just think that with your current skills and 
mobility background, you will only need specific assistance. Working with 
local blind folks who are good cane travellers will meet your specific needs 
best. Just my opinion, of course.
Warmly,
Heather

-----Original Message----- 
From: Szostak, Christine via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 12:58 PM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] (no subject)

HI All,
  I am new to this list and also have a question.

  First, for those who do not know me, my name is Chris and I am totally 
blind. I lost my vision completely as a young  adult (I was born visually 
impaired with usable vision in one eye). I lost my vision about 14 years 
ago.

  My question relates to traveling.

  I am a long-time guide dog user. I received my first guide when I started 
to lose my remaining vision in 1999 and have had continuous dogs since then 
with no breaks longer than approximately 1 week between dogs.

  For various reasons, I am seriously considering switching to a white cane 
and this is where my question comes in.

  Although trained on the basics (e.g., I know the basic techniques such as 
how to move the cane while in general motion, roughly how far to swing it, 
how to deal with things like steps...) I have had only very limited use with 
it.

  I was considering something like Leader Dogs O/M program since our O/M 
services here where I am living are awful. However, there are some really 
frustrating obstacles (e.g., the closest airport for me is around an hour 
away and I live alone and do not want to ask someone (family do not live 
near me) to drive me that far simply to board a plane).

  I should say that I have had a lot of O/M training throughout my life so 
know how to safely cross major streets independently... so can safely 
travel.

  Thus, given the above, I have been considering just getting myself 
up-to-speed with some help from sighted folks I know without being in a 
formal training program. DO others here think this is doable based on what I 
have said? I feel like  I could do it, but  would really appreciate advice 
from those who are experienced in cane travel as I really would value your 
thoughts and opinions. Any advice, suggestions... would be sincerely 
appreciated.
Have a wonderful afternoon!
Chris

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