[Blindtlk] Oops Subject was Intro and a Question

[Danielle Antoine]

Yes, if your help is really dedicated to helping you especially if it
involves learning how to go new places that you'll be going to
regularly. It woud be good to be in the company of other blind and
visually impaired folks to get feedback on your technique and such.
This was my problem when I was forced to move to an unfamiliar but
doable rural area. Nobody was willing to walk routes with me or even
give usable feedback while driving which influenced my decision to
reitre my dog. Kinda sad when fam plays a part in that.


On 12/2/14, Judy Jones via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/jtj1%40cableone.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/singingmywayin%40gmail.com
>