[nfb-talk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Mon Dec 17 15:02:53 UTC 2012

Hi Peter;

This is Terry Powers, from MD.  As you well know, I have epelepsi, orthapetic problems and vision problems.  I now use a cane and a walker for long walks.  
I learned to use a cane, in my teans, and thought it was a means of publisizing that I was blind.  My husband did not accept my blindness and did not like me using a can, so I had to depend on my sight, while out with him.  Now that I am divorced, I am a lot more independent than I ever was, in my life, using my cane.  I even use it to assist me in walking.
I have overcome the fear of using a cane or the embarracement.  I am a proud cane user.
I would connect this person with an NFB mobility instructer.  It sounds like he or she might need some, one on one counceling.  With the assistance of a mobility person, maybe this person needs to experience a minor fall to realize what a cane could have prevented.  I am talking about like a small slip on a cerb or something like that.  Someone with experience, needs to turn this person around.  They have had experience convincing seniors that they can get around, when they are newly blinded.  This person is almost like a newly blinded person, who needs to learn independence.

Good luck, and try not to be to harsh.

Terry Powers

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Donahue [mailto:pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com] 
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 7:53 AM
To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List; Daniel Carr; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List; NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
Subject: [nfb-talk] Refusal To Use A Cane

Good morning everyone,

    An who belonged to our Florida Affiliate recently moved to San Antonio and wishes to join our chapter. This person is totally blind and absolutely refuses to use a cane. They recently showed up at our Christmas party and had to be helped in to and out of the meeting room we used for this event. 
Members were surprised when they discovered that this person showed up without their cane. When later questioned about this the person began giving us all manner of excuse. They told us that their neurologist and past O&M instructors recommended against the use of the cane due to this person's having seizures. This individual attended Perkins along with a number of other schools for the blind. I know for a fact that at least while at Perkins this individual lived in a cottage with another person who also has seizures and is one of the best travelers I know. Like this person, the confident cane user is totally blind and is someone I came to know well. The individual in question undoubtedly met many other successful blind cane users with other disabilities. I myself have seizures and sleep apnea and use both a cane and a dog depending on the situation.

    The individual refusing to use their cane has all ready been told by several members in the area that if they wish to visit them the/she must bring their cane and use it to get from their transportation in to our residence and if necessary use the cane during their visit.

    When attempting to reason with the person in question members have been accused of "Bullying" them and have heard all excuses in the book why he/she cannot use a cane proficiently. The individual has been told that neurologists are not qualified to determine whether or not the use of a travel aid can effect one's seizures. The evidence to the contrary is over whelmingly against this horsepuckey. As we also know not all blindness professionals have true belief in the capabilities of the blind. This individual obviously had a few such persons in their life to sell them short on their ability to travel independently and on the importance of using a cane or a dog. The individual has been told that if they show up at any of our homes without their cane we will call them a cab and promptly send them home at their expense something they can avoid simply by listening to reason and using their cane whenever traveling. We're busy people. The last thing we need to have to do is take someone to the emergency room when we know that an individual has complete disregard for their personal safety and as negligent. It seems like direct threat provisions of the ADA may apply in this situation where public venues are concerned. The lawyers can help us wit this one.

    We want to help this person achieve a higher degree of independence and be an active member of our chapter. While we won't prohibit them from joining us they'll be a more effective contributor to the cause if they would embrace the alternative techniques of blindness and use them regularly. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

 Peter Donahue

 "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper."
Isaiah 54:17

 "While for our princes they prepare
In caverns deep a burning snare,
He shot from heaven a piercing ray,
And the dark treachery brought to day."
Anonymous

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