[Sportsandrec] Cane Placement

Fri Dec 26 16:50:35 UTC 2008

I have recently, through the acquisition of a traumatic brain injury, 
figured out that blindness is only as grave a condition as you think 
of it. So if you yourself have an enormous head trip regarding your 
blindness, then you have to expect that people will think of you as 
they think you do, having a head trip about your blindness.
Carly At 10:23 PM 12/25/2008, you wrote:
>Ashley,
>I have found that shy and blind don't mix well with one another. 
>Leave your cane wherever you want, who cares. Slide it under your 
>chair, put in the corner behind the door at the restroom, give it to 
>sighted friends to hold/ play with while you're dancin. I believe 
>this is a Federation phylosiphy/ independent life issue. Who cares 
>where you put your cane as long as it is safe and you know where it 
>is. I mean, this is not Plaxico looking for a good spot to put his 
>gun before it went off. If you are alone, I guess this could be an 
>issue though wouldn't you just leave it where you are sitting be it 
>the bar or a table while you dance? If with a group, surely someone 
>in the group would hold/ watch it while you are cutting your 
>proverbial rug. In my group of blind friends that I have had for a 
>long time, there are usually a couple types. There is the guy who is 
>very shy because he is blind and doesn't have a lot of friends but 
>for those who he has been friends with for many years and has 
>trouble meeting new people. Then there is the guy who doesn't care 
>about his blindness, is outgoing, starts conversations, and has many 
>friends because he is never afraid to make the initial move. 
>Always  be the ladder Ashley. The ladder is usually the NFB guy.
>"Do a little dance" "Make a little love" "Get down tonight" Get Down 
>Tonight K.C. and the Sunshine Band
>Merry Christmas/ Happy Hanukkah/ hope everyone had a nice Wednesday 
>and Thursday lol.
>JS
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Carly Mihalakis" <carlymih at earthlink.net>
>To: "Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List" 
><sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
>Sent: Thursday, December 25, 2008 5:32 PM
>Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Cane Placement
>
>
>>Kelly,
>>
>>         You said it!
>>If you're a single chick, or even a single guy dance class could be 
>>a great place to meet people, as well as enlighten others of blind 
>>peoples' abilities.
>>I realize it sounds scary, but remember how often the protocol in 
>>certain situations calls for entirely swollowing your pride, not 
>>really being too embarassed just to live your life on your terms?
>>I have been to social salsa dancing, and when I come to a new 
>>partner I just say "I'm blind" and it never matters, for I can 
>>move. simply leaving the cane at the corner of the dance room (in 
>>classes), at the table with other friends (out in clubs), or with 
>>the bar tender (there is an advantage of being considered a good 
>>tipper) works well. I have carried my folding cane, but not often. 
>>Or, you can leave the cane in a trusted place, find the cutest, 
>>single, opposite gendered dance partner, and go sighted guide back 
>>to your cane. Hey, cheesy I know, but I've met a few repeat dance 
>>partners that way, and if you are going to go sighted guide 
>>anyway...It also gives a chance to enlighten another person about 
>>what you can do as a blind person, when you might need a little 
>>assistance, and most importantly that you are approachable as a blind person.
>>
>>>As mentioned before, partner dancing is very accessible for 
>>>everyone. One advantage we have is that we pay more attention to 
>>>how the moves "feel" as opposed to how they "look," often 
>>>considered to be a better learning/practice method than pure visualization.
>>>
>>>So, jump in with both feet (put both feet in, put both feet out, 
>>>put both feet in and shake 'em all about...come on, we knew it was 
>>>coming). Enjoy it, and develop a new experience for yourself and 
>>>those in the class who may have never danced with such a good 
>>>partner who just happens to be blind.
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>>
>>
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>
>
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