[Nfbf-l] Attitudes toward Blindness - Argentine student invents 'smart shoe'

[Darlene Laibl-Crowe]

Miranda, have you been blind since you were a child?  I found that those who
have had their vision lost since childhood are able to do what you do.  I
admire you for that.  But those who have lived the life of vision and then
having to depend on the cane are not so free to embrace it.   

I know when I began training with my white cane at the age of 228, I only
used it when I needed it...to find objects in unfamiliar territory and when
I was alone.  Otherwise I used sighted guides as often as possible so I
couldn't use the cane.  I have met many others just like me who have done
the same thing and I still know several who are losing their vision as
adults and do not use it.  They prefer to blunder through wherever they go
and sometimes getting hurt.  For me it is a necessity as I don't like
getting hurt...I cringe at pain!  (smile)

So it is my opinion and I could be wrong that those who grew up blind are
more inclined to embracing the white cane than those who lose later in life
especially as adults.  Another factor for me, too, in using a cane...since I
also have hearing issues, it can be hard using the cane because I can't use
my hearing to determine traffic flow and etc.  

Keep on being proud and a great example for us, Miranda!  You Rock!

(smile)
Darlene

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Miranda Kilby
via Nfbf-l
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 1:05 PM
To: Alan Dicey; NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Attitudes toward Blindness - Argentine student invents
'smart shoe'

and I live the life I want. Greetings,
Thank you for sharing this article with the Federation. I find this article
to be opinion based and not always true. I, carry my cane proudly wherever I
may go. Therefore, the shoes would not be for me.. My cane not only
represents Diamme blind but also is an educational tool for those who may or
may not know what it is and I am a young adult. I show not only my friends,
family, and my future family that I, a blind person can do anything I want
if I put my mind to it,

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 19, 2014, at 2:47 AM, Alan Dicey via Nfbf-l <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> Dear Friends,
> This concept of technical developments in this article is  not new, but a
few sentences in it disturbed me.
> And that is why I post this article.
> I know personally, the attitudes toward the Blind in South America are a
lot different from those in the States and Canada.
> See the article and you will see what I mean.
> With Best Regards,
> God Bless,
> Alan
> Plantation, Florida
> - -
> Argentine student invents 'smart shoe' to replace cane for the blind 
> Argentine student invents 'smart shoe' to replace cane for the blind 
> Published time: November 16, 2014 Edited time: November 16, 2014 An 
> Argentine student has invented shoes with ultrasound sensors which allow
people with visual impairments to walk without a cane. The shoes vibrate
when the wearer approaches an object.
> The new shoes for blind people, dubbed 'Duspavoni,' were developed by Juan
Manuel Bustamante, a student at Industrial College #4, and presented at the
National Science Fair in Buenos Aires on Friday. He says he worked on the
project for six months.
> "I wish Duspavoni, my creation, could get to revolutionize the lives of
people with sight problems, partial or total visual impairment," he told
Ruptly.
> The shoes have three ultrasound sensors placed inside the sole - in the
frontal, lateral, and back areas. The sensors emit ultrasound waves which
are reflected by surrounding objects and come back to the sensor. The shoe
vibrates depending on the distance and position of the objects.
> "The closer the object is, the more the device vibrates," Bustamante said.
"If the object is ahead, the tip of the shoe vibrates. If it is on the side,
the sole vibrates, and if it is behind, the heel vibrates."
> The device can detect different kinds of materials, people, and animals
within a 25-inch (63.5 centimeter) radius of the wearer. It is equipped with
rechargeable batteries which can be charged by a USB cable connected to a
computer, or even by a mobile phone charger. The time needed for a total
charge is about five hours. The owner can then use the shoes for three or
four days.
> The inventor said the idea for Duspavoni came after a conversation with a
friend who was losing her vision. He created the shoes to replace the
traditional white cane with something more discreet, which may create less
of a social stigma.
> "She told me young blind people do not like the cane because they feel it
stigmatizes them," Bustamente told EFE. "The shoes have been conceived for
young blind people, between 10 and 25 years old, as they are most refusing
to use the white cane."
> 
> http://rt.com/news/206027-shoes-blind-ultrasound-cane/
> 
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