[nabs-l] Questions regarding transition to cane use

Tue Sep 3 18:22:21 UTC 2013

Definitely keep up with the state resources.  But in the mean time, there are plenty of excellent cane users who can help!  You are in Texas - lots of resources there.  
I will give you some off-list.

Anna E Givens

On Sep 3, 2013, at 9:48 AM, Ashley Allen <abunchoflettersandnumbers at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all! Thanks for all the advice and recommendations!
> 
> To those that have asked, I'm in texas, if you wish to know more details,
> let me know in private..I'd prefer not to disclose my full location
> publicly a this is the internet! I'm studying electrical engineering.
> 
> Another question that was brought up was the restriction on my license. I
> am restricted to daytime only driving. So not a huge restriction.
> 
> I am looking for an O&m instructor, however the state resources havent
> called me back just yet, and I can't actually go tothe office because of my
> work and school schedules. Any ideas on how to work around this, or is it
> just a waiting game?
> 
> Ashley
> On Sep 3, 2013 8:25 AM, "I. C. Bray" <i.c.bray at win.net> wrote:
> 
>> Yes, Ashley;
>> I have to agree.  There is one thing I neglected to mention, and that
>> hasn't been said so far as well.
>> 
>> Once you begin learning O&M with a cane, you MUST practice.  You can not
>> learn the skills, and prop the cane up in the corner- It must get used!
>> If you ever end up needing a Guide Dog, it will be your cane skills plus
>> your ability to learn and maneuver around obstacles with that cane that
>> will be critical in getting your Guide Friend!
>> 
>> The problem-solver in me says: "Prepare for the worst, Hope for the best!"
>> 
>> Ian
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Miso Kwak" <kwakmiso at aol.com>
>> To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, September 02, 2013 9:59 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Questions regarding transition to cane use
>> 
>> 
>> I strongly agree with Sophie's point.
>>> I do not think you would have to necessarily notify your school's
>>> disabilities office about your transition to cane because it would not be a
>>> big change for your classes or accessing facilities on the campus.
>>> If you are a client of your state department of rehab, yiou probably can
>>> ask them to provide you with an orientation and mobility instructor, so
>>> that you can learn proper techniques for using the white cane.
>>> Also, you might want to consider NFB training centers in a long run.
>>> Best wishes
>>> Miso
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Sophie Trist <sweetpeareader at gmail.com>
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Mon, Sep 2, 2013 6:49 pm
>>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Questions regarding transition to cane use
>>> 
>>> Ashley, if you're steadily losing your vision, familiarizing
>>> yourself with the use of a cane will be very helpful. It will
>>> make things less difficult for you when you no longer have enough
>>> vision to drive, and it will make it easier for you to navigate
>>> campus without having to depend on tiny signs you can't read.
>>> However, if you decide to begin learning cane use, I believe it
>>> is important to have an O&M (orientation and mobility) teacher
>>> help you learn proper techniques. I wish you the best of luck.
>>> 
>>> Yours sincerely,
>>> Sophie
>>> 
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: Ashley Allen <abunchoflettersandnumbers@**gmail.com<abunchoflettersandnumbers at gmail.com>
>>> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> Date sent: Mon, 2 Sep 2013 20:36:31 -0500
>>> Subject: [nabs-l] Questions regarding transition to cane use
>>> 
>>> 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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>> 
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