[stylist] Things to ponder- white cane

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Danielle,

I use a long white cane and posed the question more for thought than
actually needing an answer. True, it doesn't catch things above your
head, but if arcing properly, it should cover each side of your body.
The cane should hit or graze objects notifying that they are there. Of
course, just like anyone, sighted or blind, accidents happen, and I'm
sure those of us who are cane users have had those times when we are not
cane quite properly and something minor happens, but the cane actually
is effective in traveling despite what some may think.

I have had people want to lead me around by pulling my cane behind them,
and often they are foreign, so I assume this is something done in other
countries as pointed out in this original post. If a more international
effort were made to bring awareness of true independence for those with
disabilities, perhaps things like this would lessen. No one does this
maliciously, but it stems from the perception that the blind are in more
trouble than others. We all have various travel levels, but ultimately,
the cane is safe and effective for negotiating the world without help.
I'm not saying we don't need help at times or that accepting it is
wrong, I just think we can do more without assistance than many realize.
I merely base all this off my personal experience but understand we all
have our own unique, individual experiences.

If a person is in real danger or may require extra help, there's nothing
wrong with this, but a cane should find objects like a thorn bush and
assist one in avoiding it.

Anyway, I know we've had this discussion many times on Stylist, and
perhaps it's not the "proper" place to have this discussion, though an
NFB listserve should be able to discuss any blind-related issues... But
anyway, I digress, and I have no intention of starting anything here-
good or bad, grin.

Happy holidays.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, editor, Slate & Style
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
 
"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can
satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for
another world."
C. S. Lewis

Message: 3
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:03:36 -0600
From: Danielle Antoine <singingmywayin at gmail.com>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] More things to ponder
Message-ID:
	
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Bridget,
Yes it does. It does not cover overhanging  objects, though. HTH and
Merry christmas all. Danielle