[Blindtlk] learning cane skills

[Judy Jones]

Heather is right, as long as the blind travelers involved are competent, and 
many are.  I have benefitted from what Heather has experienced, as well as 
formal training.

Judy


-----Original Message----- 
From: Heather Field via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, December 1, 2014 5:27 PM
To: Szostak, Christine ; Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] learning cane skills

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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