[nagdu] a cane and dog discussion

[Dan Weiner]

Well, here I go, getting in to the discussion when I was sure I wouldn't.
The basic o and m is the same but the process is different.
In a crowded noisy place I would be very hard-pressed to find the inside or
outside Dorr unless I had some memory of how I got in or out--smile.
My cane can't locate a door without me putting it up to the door--lol.
A seasoned dog, however can find a door which may, sometimes, be in the
opposite direction from where I thought it was.

So, if you judge independence by not having to "ask for help from the
general public", then I am definitely more independent with a dog rather
than a cane.
My hearing allows me to hear things but not localize sound too well, meaning
I can't tell where the sound is coming from. In many cases a dog can beat
the cane  with this type of thing paws down.


Besides, as Steve said, independence is a subjective thing.

As blind people in a society geared for the sighted, we will not enjoy the
same type of flexibility or if you will, independence that the general
population enjoys, at least in the exact same way.

There is no post office now in my immediate area, nothing in walking
distance.
So, I can't jump in my car and drive there.
I have to get a ride, take a cab, or use paratransit.
This takes planning and more money and it's usually better to have a friend
help with it.

Our choices about what we do tend to be limited by the principle of choosing
our battles.
And, though this flies in the face of philosophy, there are just some things
that are pretty hard to do without sight--smile.

One thing which would help in our independence level I think is an
improvement of the public transport infrastructure, there are just many
places you can't take a bus to.  Buses our now down to one an hour here in
my neighborhood which requires me to wait a log time on a bus bench without
a roof in 95 degree weather, it's pretty impractical.

Just some random thoughts.



Dan