[nfb-db] More Travel Questions...

[Kerri Kosten]

Hi Beth:

Many may disagree with this, but at LCB I was taught to never let the
person lead me across the street. I was taught to politely explain to
them that I can use my cane and that I can walk beside/follow them.
I don't really like taking people's arms because it takes the control
from me and like you said unless I am using my cane I can't tell where
we are going and I don't like that.
So, I walk beside the person and use my cane.
If I am in a huge hurry or something like that I let a person guide me
but very rarely.
Many may disagree with this, but one of the biggest fears I had to get
over at LCB was just using my cane period. I was so afraid because I
had always been guided.
If I let people guide me all the time I will definitely begin to
become afraid again, and I will lose my good mental mapping skills I
have developed.
Thanks,
Kerri

On 4/12/13, Beth Koenig <bethko at gmail.com> wrote:
> One thing is that you should never let someone grab you to lead you across.
> I know some people are just trying to help but freeze in your tracks and
> ask for their arm. If you can also take the hand they have used to grab you
> with and use it to find their arm yourself. You should practice this with a
> partner while holding your cane until you feel you can juggle the person's
> hand and your cane comfortably. Where I live most people will just tell me
> when to cross or I will follow them. When people grab me it is usually in
> an attempt to stop me falling down stairs.
> When you are crossing the street use your cane at all times. Never depend
> on a sighted person to keep you safe from curbs, trees, poles, etc. I have
> some sight and I have never been able to walk with any kind
> of confidence outside my home without a cane.
> As for strange danger, the biggest deterrent is looking really confident.
> The other thing you can do is take some self defense classes. Aikido, and
> Judo are both good.
>
> Thanks,
> Beth Koenig
> bethko at gmail.com
>
> On Friday, April 12, 2013, Sheila Leigland wrote:
>
>> Hi Janice I agree with you. I have become mor vigilant since losing so
>> much hearing but not yet to the point of being afraid to travel alone. I
>> am
>> interested in how you got your fm deviced and where you got it. You can
>> write me offlist if you like. Thanks.
>>
>> Sheila Leigland
>>
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>
>
> --
> Beth Koenig
> bethko at gmail.com
> (714) 699-DEAF (3323)
> Deaf Blind Services Specialist
> Executive Director
> Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center
> 1525 Durant Street 303
> Santa Ana, CA 92706
> http://www.deafadvocacy.org
> Health, safety, and productivity are the cornerstones of independence. At
> the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center we provide the training and services
> necessary for the deaf and disabled to achieve equality and independence in
> all areas of life.
>