[nabs-l] Winter Weather Travel

Sun Feb 13 14:27:29 UTC 2011

Hey guys,
I highly disagree with the idea that you shouldn't wear a hat. The
risk of a slightly dampened hearing is not nearly as bad as the risk
of getting severely sick because your head was bare in below freezing
temperatures. I know, I did it, and now I'm sick as a dog!

Someone mentioned using your cane as balance. An alternative to this,
as leaning on the cane can bend it and mess up the swing of the cane,
is to get a support cane for in the winter. I have one year-round due
to physical issues, but it is even more useful in ice and snow. You
can get an inexpensive folding support cane from a discount store like
Wal-Mart for around $10. I say folding because then you can put it
away when you get inside...if you don't need it, why have it out?

If your dog accepts booties on h is feet, there are non-skid booties
out there that are great for pups. Keeps their feet warm and keeps
them from slipping and injuring themselves. Also, if it is *very* cold
weather, you might consider getting a dog sweater. Not sure how these
work with harnesses, but I would suspect that since the harness is
adjustable, you could put it under the harness without too much
trouble since most are not very thick but nice and warm.

Back to cane travel. If the sidewalk is not available but snow has
been cleared from the road, tap the curb as you go by. I know, many
times snow is piled up on the curb (super unsafe), but often ice and
snow stay on sidewalks much longer than on roads and curbs, since
people take care of the roads and leave the sidewalks up to the
individual home owners.

If the sidewalk in front of your home is prone to ice, as soon as the
snow or sleet is on the ground, go out and mess it up. Shuffle yor
foot through it, sweep your cane back and forth, have your kids or
neighbour's kids play in it. Rouch snow or ice, when packed down, is
much better than smooth snow/ice!

On 2/13/11, Greg Aikens <gpaikens at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Some hats seem to work fine without blocking auditory clues.  Also, some
> looser fitting hoodies can break the wind and cover your ears without
> hindering auditory clues.
>
> GregOn Feb 12, 2011, at 11:04 PM, Steve Jacobson wrote:
>
>> Marcia,
>>
>> Since I have lived in Minnesota all my life, I have gotten pretty used to
>> winter travel.  It is something one can adjust to over time, but I am sure
>> it is difficult
>> for those in areas that are getting unusual weather.  Still, it can take
>> some getting used to.  Whether or not one has other disabilities, it
>> doesn't seem
>> appropriate to me for anyone to be laughing at whatever misadventures you
>> might have unless you are also laughing at them, and I gather that you
>> were
>> not.  However, I also don't believe it is just the super-blind who master
>> such obstacles, either.  It can take time and work, and such travel will
>> always be
>> easier for some than for others.  I hope you don't write off the
>> possibility that you might be able to overcome some of the winter travel
>> challenges as
>> something only the superblind can do, and I also hope that you can find
>> people who will be supportive.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Steve Jacobson
>>
>>
>> On Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:15:52 -0500, Marsha Drenth wrote:
>>
>>> Great question. Last year I asked this same question, as I am new to the
>>> northeast. And the response I got was that it must be something I am
>>> doing
>>> wrong with my mobility. Because as a NFB person, who has just the best
>>> mobility and orientation, I should NEVER get lost, nor never be
>>> disorientated, and it does not matter that there was 3 or 4 feet of snow
>>> on
>>> the ground. I should always be able to find my way. *being very sarcastic
>>> here* and that "if" I were getting lost, maybe I should go to a training
>>> center, where I could get better skills. My point was I was laughed at
>>> because I was getting lost in the snow, the ice, and the high winds. I
>>> guess
>>> it should not matter, that I have additional disabilities, like a hearing
>>> loss, and balance issues. Its my fault, and not the snow. I am sorry
>>> guys,
>>> it was not my fault all my landmarks were covered up. Now some of you
>>> might
>>> say, going to a center is important here, but I do not fall into needing
>>> to
>>> go to a center category. I am NOT a super blind person, nor ever will be.
>>>
>>
>>> Great question. But I also find it funny how so many people are so quick
>>> to
>>> judge others who are blind, for skills or things they can't do so well. I
>>> will be happy to see suggestions and little tips and tricks others have
>>> to
>>> say about this.
>>
>>> This was certainly not directed at anyone. Just sayin. LOL
>>
>>> Marsha
>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf
>>> Of Arielle Silverman
>>> Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:51 PM
>>> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> Subject: [nabs-l] Winter Weather Travel
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>
>>> I'm sure many of you are experiencing the effects of our unusually
>>> cold and snowy winter this year, which can pose unique challenges for
>>> cane and guide dog travel. Have you discovered any tricks you have
>>> found helpful for staying oriented while walking in snow, ice, and/or
>>> high winds?
>>
>>> Arielle
>>
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-- 
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com