[blparent] O&M advice

Tue May 29 17:12:43 UTC 2012

I have never really understood what the kind of white cane I choose to use
has to do with whether or not I am embarrassed to be blind. I use a cane
with confidence and have for more than 25 years. I even carried a cane with
me when I was a dog user because some circumstances where easier to handle
with a cane even though I over all preferred the speed and ease of movement
a dog gave me.

I have tried using the longer NFB style cane and keep one for walks here in
my neighborhood. I do not really like the flat round disk tips though and
have wondered if I would like the cane better with a different tip.

I find a folding cane to be more convenient and comfortable for a variety of
reasons. One of these is that I like to put it in my purse to keep it off
the floor, not to hide it.

I have heard comments before about people using a NFB type cane because they
are proud to be blind. Perhaps someone can explain what is meant by this. I
find myself feeling a little insulted by the implication in such comments
that as I do not use that kind of cane I must be embarrassed by my
blindness. so perhaps someone can more thoroughly explain what is meant and
clear this up.

Now, to drag this subject back to parenting. :) I do use my cane as a tool
with my kids when crossing streets. Once I have us in position to cross, I
hold my cane out across my kids bodies and often make light contact. This
way I can put more of my concentration on the traffic without worrying one
of the kids will step out of position. I find this especially helpful when I
have one of the kids holding the hand of a child whose hand I am holding. I
also think that in familiar areas one of the longer canes might have enough
reach over the top of a stroller to help with navigation. I have never tried
this though.

Jennifer
 -----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Kevin Athey
Sent: Sunday, May 27, 2012 8:36 PM
To: Blind Parents Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blparent] O&M advice

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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