[blparent] O&M advice

Tue May 29 18:56:05 UTC 2012

Sorry, my message about canes went through before you declared the subject 
off topic.  I really would like someone to explain the issue, but e-mail can 
be sent to me off list at jopinto at msn.com.

Jo Elizabeth

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a 
song."  Maya Angelou

--------------------------------------------------
From: "David Andrews" <dandrews at visi.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 12:52 PM
To: "Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [blparent] O&M advice

> 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.
>> >
>
>
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