[blparent] O&M advice

[Kevin Athey]

Jessica,
Robert is right when he says that there are as many oppinions and
thoughts on the subject of which cane to use and why as there are cane
users. However, personally speaking I prefer the long white NFB cane.
I grew up with people insisting that I use the folding canes, and I
didn't have a problem with that as that is all I was introduced to.
Now, the one good thing about those canes are that they are very nice
for traveling in cramped areas. However, with a little imagination you
can most always get a white cane to fit into any car. I have never had
problems with it on planes or anywhere else for that matter. 6 years
ago I decided to go to the Louisiana center for the blind and was
introduced to the long white cane. I feel more confident with this
cane, and I've learned not to be ashamed of the fact that I need to
use a cane. I think that with a folding cane you have the option of
trying to hide your blindness and pretend that you don't need it when
facts are simply facts. I'm no more or less a person because I use a
cane, and I'm proud to use the long white cane and state that I'm an
independent person who happens to be blind.
Now, with that said, to each his own. I can tell anyone what is best
for them and their circumstance, so really it is up to everyone to
choose for him or herself. And, don't ever ever let an instructor tell
you what kind of cane you can or can't use in your lessons with him or
her. Be assertive and state your reasons for wanting to use a
particular cane, and if they don't like that remember they aren't the
only instructors in the world.

Jodie,
There are often tiems when there is only one parent who can take the
baby out in the stroller, and it is possible. I recommend pulling the
stroller behind you as you use your cane out front. I know there has
been lots of post on this list in months not so far past so if you are
interested in looking all that drama up I'm sure it's in the archives.
*smiles* Also, anyone should feel free to email me off list for
advice, but remember I'm only one voice.

Kathy

On 5/27/12, Jessica Trask <ashleejessandmark2012 at samobile.net> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
> I'm a cane user. I've hooked up with one of the Orientation and
> Mobility specialists at the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.
> I've met him once and I got a cane from the Free White Cane Program run
> by the NFB. It's one of the Solid White Canes and he prefers me not to
> use it during our Mobility lessons when we start. He said  he would
> prefer that I use a folding cane. I chose the rigid cane because I felt
> that it would work a bit better for me to use because the sidewalks and
> streets where I'm currently living aren't in the best conditions. In
> fact, one of the agencies that we are working with to get our daughter
> back was actually nice enough to buy me and my daughters father a
> Jogger Stroller for the fact I just mentioned above.
>
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