[Blindtlk] Oops Subject was Intro and a Question

[Judy Jones]

Hi, Chris,

This is Judy, and welcome to the list.

I became a cane user as a middle schooler, and got my first guide dog at age 
27 before getting married.  I had plenty of time to get comfortable with the 
cane.  I, like you, had almost continuous guide dogs with a week or less in 
between, from 1979 up until 2012.  However, there were times during my dog 
use when I used the cane instead, so have never lost my touch.  I would say, 
start out practicing with your cane in a familiar area, making sure the arc 
covers your shoulder-to-shoulder area.

One neat mobility trick I have used to learn a new route is to get a ride to 
the new location, then walk home from there.

Another thing I do is to get directions from a sighted person, and if they 
are involved, for instance, if you are trying to learn several locations in 
an area, like a mall, or a neighborhood, write down the details and route 
information you need in a notebook, and carry it with you.  It acts as your 
"guidebook," just like the tourists carry, until you get familiar with an 
area.

I'm not sure if this answers all your questions, but feel free to write any 
time, and hope this helps.

Best wishes.

Judy


-----Original Message----- 
From: Szostak, Christine via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, December 1, 2014 12:00 PM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] Oops Subject was Intro and a Question

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 aweful. However, there are some really 
frustrating obsticals (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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