[nabs-l] Questions regarding transition to cane use

[Anna Givens]

 Hey Ashley,
Where are you from?  Are you familiar with the NFB?  
Great questions.  I too have a significant amount of sight.  I do use a cane, although there are times I walk around without it.
As far as using a cane and still being able to drive...  I think the answer is simple... If you feel that you might need a cane, even if u are not sure, it is totally appropriate to use a cane some or all of the time.  A person uses a cane when they want or need to... That's all there is to that.  People may question it, because a llot of people are under the impression that using a cane means you cannot see anything. They are simply misinformed. 
Transitioning to cane useage mid-semester may also bring up similar questions from curious/misinformed people.  But again, that's your thing.... If you need it now or think you might.... You should use it.  You do not have to explain to anything to anyone, or you can if you want to.  Really it is nobody's business.  Aa others have mentioned, there really is no reason to talk to your DSS office at all, unless you just want to.  
Anyway, I hope you got some good thoughts out of these emails.  As for me, I am a junior in college.  Althoigh I do have a significant amount of vision and my vision is fairly stable, I have chosen to take a while off school to go an NFB training center, to further my knowledge on how I can be a successful person if I am blind.  
My last thought is that you should definitely get some kind of instruction on cane usage.  Don't just get a cane and start walking around with it.... This truly will do u more harm than good in the long run.  

Let us know...

Anna E Givens

On Sep 2, 2013, at 8:36 PM, Ashley Allen <abunchoflettersandnumbers at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all!
> 
> Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Ashley. I am new to this
> group and am a  university student this year after transferring from
> community college. I have nystagmus and have severe strabismic amblyopia. I
> still have a decent amount of usable vision, but it is steadily getting
> worse. I am legally blind in my left, and nearing so in my right. My
> opthamologist has brought up the possibility of cane usage recently as I am
> steadily losing my usable vision. I am currently still able to drive, with
> restrictions, and commute to campus. He's suggested this so that I may
> familiarize myself with cane use and to identify myself while on campus...I
> tend to get very lost as I have trouble seeing the tiny signs...
> 
> Does anyone have any thoughts? Is this appropriate as I can still drive?
> What are peoples thoughts on transitioning to cane use mid semester?
> 
> I havent brought it up with my disability services on campus yet, as I want
> to visit the state resources first, but any thoughts would be appreciated.
> 
> Ashley
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