[NAGDU] Questions for low-vision people

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Sandy.
So there are people who feel that way.  Now you mention it, I remember my
first walk with my first dog, zooming down the sidewalk, zipping around an
overhanging tree.  It was sheer joy.  Thanks for reminding me.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via
NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 4:43 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: S L Johnson
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Questions for low-vision people

Hi Tracy:

I was born legally blind.  As my vision got worse in high school I had to
begin using a cane.  I lost all my vision after unsuccessful detached retina
surgery in my junior year of high school.  I used a cane my first two years
of college in a small town in upstate New York.  .  A transfer to a college
in New York City made me realize that using a cane in the big busy city was
not for me, especially in the crowded noisy subways.  It is not hype.  I
still remember my first walk with my first dog.  As I flew down the street I
felt a sense of excitement and freedom that I never felt when walking with a
cane.  When I reached the curb I began to cry and through my tears I told
the trainer that walking with a guide dog was almost as good as having my
sight back.  Since that hot summer day in 1975I have never been without a
guide dog.  I felt as if I really could see again as we flawlessly traveled
around the city.  I was thrilled with the new confidence I had with a guide
dog.  I no longer wanted to hide in the corner and throw that cane in the
trash.  I loved getting out for walks just for the pleasure of walking not
having to tap that cane and feel for every step and hope I did not run into
anything that my cane missed.  I remember with a cane I was always slamming
into signs, light poles and phone booths that stuck out at shoulder or head
height that I would miss with my cane.  I was a very fast walker so often
fell off a curb or steps before I felt them with my cane.  No more of that
nonsense when my guide dog would take me around all those injuries waiting
to happen.  No, the dog could not give me back my vision but, it felt that 
way.  I had my furry golden pair of eyes to keep me safe.    I think if your

husband took a walk with a guide dog he would be amazed how much easier and
faster he could walk without the risk of injury.  Good luck to both of you
as you help get him through this difficult adjustment.

Sandra and Golden Eva
SLJohnson25 at comcast.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 11:18 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: [NAGDU] Questions for low-vision people

I have questions for people who had vision, then lost most of it.  I've been
blind most of my life, and I'd like your perspective to help my husband.  He
had low but OK vision for many years, but has lost most of it over the past
few years.  He uses a cane, but still wants to move fast, like he did when
he could see better, and isn't always as cautious as he should be.  He had
an accident recently.  Nothing too bad, yet, but it easily could have been.
I'm arguing with him to get a dog, because I think it's the safest and
fastest way to get around the big city safely, and what you get is well
worth the pain of eventually having to say goodbye.

My first question is:  I was watching a publicity video yesterday for TSE,
and 2 people said that getting a dog was like getting some of their vision
back.  It gave them a set of eyes to use, and an extra brain to assess
situations.  Do other people feel this way, or is it just hype?
My second question is:  What got you to change your approach and get a dog,
or sharpen your cane skills?  Listening to classmates at TSE, it seems to
take a real hard shove from someone, or a bad accident.  But maybe that's
not always so?

If people want, they can write privately to me at carcione at access.net.
Thanks.
Tracy




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