[Blindtlk] What a difference in a cane

[Ringlein, Ellen]

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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