[Mn-abs] Freedom for the Blind

[jean Rauschenbach]

Hi Kelby,
Well, personally, I like to use a long white cane in
situations where it will not inconvenience others. And in
the winter when I use the cane for support sometimes. I am
probably a bit older than you so use of a cane for support
may not be an issue for you.   I use a 50/50 cane rather
than a folding cane with the red tip and black handle. In
the times where there is no snow and ice I use a
telescoping cane.  The cane you use is the one that fits
you best. The ideal is to use the rigid cane, but it is
often in the way of others at restaurants or times when it
can not be tucked completely out of the way.  

AT the air port, you should be able to take the rigid cane
with you through the scanner and on the plane. You have to
lay it down against the wall near the window. If you don't
happen to have that seat, then you have to ask the person
if they don't mind placing it there. You have no control
over it there. I like to use the 50/50 or telescoping in
these situations. I can actually put it in the seat pocket
and they are non the wiser rr tuck it in my carry on bag. 
 
I hope this helps you.
Jean Rauschenbach

-----Original Message-----
From: mn-abs-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:mn-abs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kelby
Carlson
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 5:56 PM
To: mn-abs at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Mn-abs] Freedom for the Blind

I was wondering if anyone else on this list has read
Freedom for 
the Blind by James Omvig.  I am reading it now, and find
much of 
what it says very good; he articulates many things I have 
believed my entire life and values my parents raised me
with.

I'm almost to the section on the long white cane, and I
have 
wondered about this for some time.  I understand the
emotional 
power of using a long cane and the statement it makes, but
it 
seems less than necessary from a pragmatic standpoint.  I
prefer 
to have a cane that is able to fold not because I want to
hide my 
blindness, but simply for convenience.  I'm rather tall,
so 
having a long cane that can't fold would make it very
difficult 
to travel in cars, at least I'm assuming so.  (I can't
imagine 
the fits airlines could have over this.) Does anyone have 
experience with this? I'm trying to explore options right
now.  I 
want to get more involved with the larger blind community
and I'm 
fast approaching college.  Any discussion on this would be

awesome.


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