[nagdu] my adventure without my cane

[Julie J.]

Rebeka,

Yes, I am with you all the way.  There are occasions that I use neither 
cane or dog, but it is for practicality, not proving anything.   Perhaps 
it's how we view the cane?  I don't feel embarrassed or inferior when 
using it, so I feel no need to prove I can get around without it.  I 
don't know.  I also became blind as an adult and was introduced to the 
cane as a primary mobility tool.  I have never attended a school or 
training program that expected or encouraged the "look Ma no hands" 
approach.

Julie




On 10/11/2011 8:18 AM, Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC) wrote:
> Is it me, or do other people find this troubling?
> I ask because it is very rare that I don't use my cane. I don't use it when I go flying or gliding.  I didn't use it when I marched and I don't use when I dance or swim.
> With flying and marching, I have my cane until right before we start, then give it to someone I trust and go do my thing.
> I don't need to run into the trash can somebody has left out or the bike somebody forgot to put away when my cane will in theory find that stuff before I do.
> I don't need to prove that I can do things without the cane, in the examples above, it's just practical to not have it
> I guess I don't understand the mindset of "look at me, ma, no hands!" when the prudent thing to do in this situation is use the cane.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chantel Cuddemi
> Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2011 2:11 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: [nagdu] my adventure without my cane
>
> HI all,
>
> Some
>
> of you know about this off list already but I thought I'd share this anyway.
>
>
> Since we've been talking about not using your cane once you're at guide dog
> school, I decided to try something yesterday that I had tried to do once
> earlier this week.
>
> I was able to bring the mail in without using my cane. I had to hug the edge
> of the grass and make sure to stay on the right side of the driveway and I
> used my ears to follow the sounds of the cars driving by to make sure I was
> heading in the right direction.
>
> I am so very proud of myself. I didn't think I'd be able to go get the mail
> without my cane but I did.
>
> Email: jawsgirl87 at gmail.com
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> skype: leogirl48
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> aim: scholarmistress
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>
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