[blparent] O&M advice

Tue May 29 20:01:07 UTC 2012

I see.  Are you then all holding hands as you cross the street and using
your cane to double check on them as you cross the street?

Erin

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jennifer Jackson
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 12:44 PM
To: 'Blind Parents Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blparent] O&M advice

Erin, I do not currently have a dog, though I have in the past and may have
said something about that in reference to traveling. I do know what you mean
though about people not looking down when driving. That is a big part of why
I like to use my cane to keep tack of exactly where the kids are and to know
they are ready to cross when I go. I do not want them trailing behind me as
we cross. I have had to scoop one up while crossing the street to when he
has decided to do something silly in the street..

Jennifer
think a cane 

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Erin Rumer
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 1:43 PM
To: 'Blind Parents Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blparent] O&M advice

Jenifer, I like your technique that you use with your cane when you are
crossing streets.  I'm assuming you're having your dog guide you right and
then you use the cane to keep in light contact with your children?
Sometimes I put my cane out in front of me sticking straight out when I'm
crossing areas where traffic is nuts and drivers aren't really looking for
me because it's a busy driveway or something.  Sometimes the driver just
doesn't see the dog or they're not looking down that much.

Erin  

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jennifer Jackson
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 10:13 AM
To: 'Blind Parents Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blparent] O&M advice

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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