[Blindtlk] NFB and canes and travel

[Aleeha Dudley]

Hello,
Welcome to the list! I, like you, was instructed with Ambutech folding
canes. I only received my first NFB cane a year before I got my guide
dog, but I definitely noticed a lot of differences in that time. I
have heard from someone that there is no "proper" way to hold a cane,
as long as it gives you the feedback you need. I got a folding NFB
cane and love it. It was very shortly followed by a telescopic cane
that could easily slide into the side of a backpack. I use constant
contact most of the time with NFB canes, although I have learned to
tap as well. Constant contact wears the metal tips out, but that
doesn't matter much because they are relatively inexpensive.
     Another huge difference between the canes is the height. The NFB
cane is meant to reach to just under your nose. I use a 59 inch cane
when I need one, and was instructed in the use of 48-52 inch Ambutech
canes.
     I hope all of this helps clear up some confusion.
Aleeha

On 1/19/14, Patrick Bennet <patrick.bennet807 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey everyone,
>
> I just joined the list. I have some questions about cane travel and I
> hope you might be able to help me with this. Before I ask, I should
> probably explain.
>
> For years I received instruction in O&M through my school district. I
> was given a folding cane with a standard rolling tip, which seems to
> be pretty commonly ordered by most agencies and districts. I think
> they come from a place in Canada .... but don't quote me on that. That
> is what I've always been used to. They seem decent enough.
>
> But, I've read some online literature from the NFB about cane travel,
> including structured discovery (as opposed to routes) and a different
> kind of cane you use that is lighter an uses a metal tip. I've also
> heard about something called a rainshine tip. Maybe they are the same
> things.
>
> Anyway, I've always been taught to hold the cane with the palm of the
> hand over it, with the index finger pointing down the flat side. This
> allows the cane with a roller tip to stay on the ground, also called
> constant contact. Is this not correct? From what I've read on the NFB
> website, your canes have metal tips, which would seem harder to slide
> over rough or cracked areas but would give more feedback. I also read
> somewhere that the grip is supposed to be different. In short, I'm
> wondering what the differences and advantages are. If so, I'd like to
> learn more. I've already read that they are lighter. Do you use them
> or hold them differently with another grip? Can NFB canes take roller
> tips and use constant contact, and if not, why? Is there really that
> much of an advantage to a cane that doesn't fold? I'm curious to learn
> about the differences, because I've never heard about them otherwise.
>
> Thanks,
> Pat
>
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