[blparent] O&M advice

[David Andrews]

While discussion about using a cane and ways to do so, when parenting 
are appropriate for this list, I do not think that philosophical 
discussions about types of canes, cane tips, folding canes etc., are 
appropriate.  Like kids, these tend to be emotional topics, and 
people have strongly-held views and no one ever changes anybody elses 
mind.  Lists like blind talk, or nfb-talk are probably more 
appropriate for extended cane discussions.

David Andrews

At 12:12 PM 5/29/2012, you wrote:
>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.
> >