[Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

Tue Nov 4 16:26:38 UTC 2014

Funny analogy Justin, but I like it.

Ericka

-----Original Message----- 
From: justin williams via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 1:00 PM
To: 'Ringlein, Ellen' ; 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

I use a graphite folding cane, and carry it everywhere; I am naked with out
it.  What jedi do you know of who does not carry his light saber, or a
western cowboy his trusty six shooter.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ringlein,
Ellen via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 1:57 PM
To: Tom Cramer; Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

I also found it quite liberating when I realized that my white cane is not
just a symbol, indicating my blindness to  others, but a tool that could
make me more independent and self-reliant. Once I gained this insight, I
took my cane everywhere and used it all the time, even if I made an
occasional use of an elbow. I used to say that the only place I did not take
my cane was the shower, but that's no longer true. I've gone camping and
took the cane with me in the shower. These days I feel naked without it. And
just like with a credit card, I never leave my home without my cane.

You might find it interesting to read Tom Bickford's book: The Care and
Feeding of the Long White Cane. Here is a link to the online version.
https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/books/CFCANE/canetc.htm

You can order the book in print or Braille from the NFB Independence Market
at no charge. I believe that the audio version is available from NLS.

Cordially,

Ellen Ringlein
Manager, Independence Market
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314, Extension 2421
Fax: (410) 685-2340
Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:ERinglein at nfb.org"ERinglein at nfb.org

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

To make a donation to the National Federation of the Blind Imagination Fund
campaign, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.nfb.org/ImaginingOurFuture"
www.nfb.org/ImaginingOurFuture.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom Cramer
via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 11:41 AM
To: NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: [Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

Recently, I was interested in a discussion that was had here regarding a
brand of cane called a rainshine which was asked about.  Someone also
suggested the telescoping carbon fiber canes which I always use but which
I've been having problems with lately.  I went ahead and reluctantly
accepted one of those free NFB straight canes from a friend.  I say
reluctantly because I've always been self conscious about using one of those
that I can't just put away.  I figured they'd be a lot of trouble.
I've also been someone who has done a lot of traveling with sighted guide,
but I had a telescoping cane break and another one make me feel like it is
going to break.

I was given an NFB long straight cane, and I was amazed at the difference.
The person who gave it to me ordered it to where it came up to my nose.  I
walked around a little bit, and it felt different.
I didn't worry about it wanting to collapse or break.  I had a weird feeling
about it as well.  I actually felt more confident and comfortable in using
it.

I think my attitude about using the cane is changing in that I finally feel
that I want to be a more independent traveler.  It's hard when I'm so used
to wanting to go everywhere with someone sighted guide, but I felt a new
sense of confidence and freedom these past few days.
I was given mobility training in school but I just didn't apply it outside
of classes unless I had to.  And now that I feel safe and confident, I kind
of feel that I don't need to be going sighted guide all the time.  This is
going to be hard on my family because they're not used to seeing me navigate
like this when we're all together.

Anyway, thanks to that cane discussion I now have a new interest in my own
indepdent travel and want to work on it!

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