Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Signed up for the Orientation and Mobility training (self.Blind)
submitted by 10sec_before_sunrise
Hello all!
I am in my late twenties, and I have been diagnosed with RP for ten years now.
I am a very active and independent person, and my vision impairment often goes unnoticed.
However, yesterday I decided to just go and sign up for the Orientation and Mobility training.
It will consist of 80 hours of training, both indoors and outdoors. And of course I will learn how to use the cane.
How was your experience with this training?
I'm sure many acquaintances will be confused seeing me with a cane, but I just prefer to move around with less stress.
I am in my late twenties, and I have been diagnosed with RP for ten years now.
I am a very active and independent person, and my vision impairment often goes unnoticed.
However, yesterday I decided to just go and sign up for the Orientation and Mobility training.
It will consist of 80 hours of training, both indoors and outdoors. And of course I will learn how to use the cane.
How was your experience with this training?
I'm sure many acquaintances will be confused seeing me with a cane, but I just prefer to move around with less stress.
SpikeTheCookie 5 points 4y ago
Congratulations for taking such a great step! I haven't taken O&M yet, and I"m wondering what your vision is like at this point, and what convinced you to do this now.
I'm not sure when I should take this step, because it's exactly like you said. I have enough vision that my vision impairment goes unnoticed... except by me, of course. ;-) I can see but I also can't see, if you get what I mean.
I'm not sure when I should take this step, because it's exactly like you said. I have enough vision that my vision impairment goes unnoticed... except by me, of course. ;-) I can see but I also can't see, if you get what I mean.
10sec_before_sunrise [OP] 3 points 4y ago
I have around 7,5% left in my FOV, only central vision. That's how it is calculated in my country. I am not sure how it converts into degrees. I think less than 20° , anyhow.
I would say these were the biggest events that made me take this step:
- around two years ago, I had just arrived in London for a leisure trip, and in the first minute in the city I first risked getting hit by a bus, and then I hit hard two people ten seconds after. I was worried I could hurt myself in such a fast-paced city, and I spent all day in a park, before joining my cousin for the rest of the trip;
- recently, I have noticed that I feel less and less confident walking up to the counter in bars or similar places. I always end up hitting somebody or getting hit;
- most importantly, I have been attending many trainings and events with lots of new people recently. I have realised that introducing my vision impairment from the beginning makes life easier for everyone. And it just creates a better connection and raises mutual empathy.
I have many little examples about this I can share, if you are curious.
I would say these were the biggest events that made me take this step:
- around two years ago, I had just arrived in London for a leisure trip, and in the first minute in the city I first risked getting hit by a bus, and then I hit hard two people ten seconds after. I was worried I could hurt myself in such a fast-paced city, and I spent all day in a park, before joining my cousin for the rest of the trip;
- recently, I have noticed that I feel less and less confident walking up to the counter in bars or similar places. I always end up hitting somebody or getting hit;
- most importantly, I have been attending many trainings and events with lots of new people recently. I have realised that introducing my vision impairment from the beginning makes life easier for everyone. And it just creates a better connection and raises mutual empathy.
I have many little examples about this I can share, if you are curious.
SpikeTheCookie 3 points 4y ago
Thank you so much for the details. That's very helpful. You're very active! And your examples are very, very helpful. I think I'm not running into people because I don't really go out. LOL But this has given me a very good guide to go by. Thank you!
Duriello 3 points 4y ago
I went to rehab expecting a magic formula that would make everything alright and unfortunately there wasn't one. My unrealistic expectations were caused by the tendency of some disabled people to downplay their difficulties in order to appear more resourceful and independent than they really are. Since I'm not one of those people I will be the first to tell you that orientation and mobility training isn't a silver bullet that will magically solve all your mobility problems, and many of the things they teach are trivial enough to figure out without an instructor as I already knew them before going to rehab.
10sec_before_sunrise [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Good point actually. Although I expect the cane to give a strong signal to other people to avoid getting into my way.
justinnhollandd 3 points 4y ago
If you think you need a cane I recommend doing it sooner than. Later and don’t worry what people think or say
KillerLag 3 points 4y ago
Congrats on getting the training!
Some acquaintances you know may be confused by the cane, so you'll often hear "But I thought you could see?". So get ready to explain that part.
Also, you'll find out how many people don't notice the cane (either because they don't know what it is, or they are too busy on their phones). On average, I have at least one person trip on a client's cane a week.
Some acquaintances you know may be confused by the cane, so you'll often hear "But I thought you could see?". So get ready to explain that part.
Also, you'll find out how many people don't notice the cane (either because they don't know what it is, or they are too busy on their phones). On average, I have at least one person trip on a client's cane a week.
CloudyBeep 2 points 4y ago
Once a week? Probably depends on the area, but it happens to me on average twice a day, probably more.
KillerLag 2 points 4y ago
On average, but I have a diverse client base. My current record for trips is three trips over an hour lesson.
10sec_before_sunrise [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Thanks! I'll keep this in mind.
[deleted] 3 points 4y ago
[deleted]
10sec_before_sunrise [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Sorry to hear this. I hope they can provide you with the training and everything you need as soon as possible!
My training should start at the beginning of next year. Possibly sooner, but I don't count much on that.
My training should start at the beginning of next year. Possibly sooner, but I don't count much on that.
[deleted] 1 points 4y ago
[deleted]
10sec_before_sunrise [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Related to the O&M training?
I haven't thought about it until now, but I basically aim to keep on doing everything I do in a safer way.
Considering to get into some blind sport as well. Sport is the only thing I have dropped over time.
I haven't thought about it until now, but I basically aim to keep on doing everything I do in a safer way.
Considering to get into some blind sport as well. Sport is the only thing I have dropped over time.
matt_may 2 points 4y ago
I had a great instructor and we trained both indoors and outside on city streets. It went fine, one of the best interactions I've ever had with my local government.
jrs12 2 points 4y ago
Good for you! And awesome that you got so many hours! Even if you end up not really needing the training yet, it's good to have the knowledge about how to keep yourself safe. If you aren't too freaked or by it, maybe ask your instructor about doing a couple of lessons blindfolded just so that you know how your skills change both with and without vision. It's an opportunity to educate your friends about the spectrum of visual impairment as well... then they can go off and educate friends that they meet.
10sec_before_sunrise [OP] 2 points 4y ago
To be honest, I prefer to start using the cane earlier and walk confidently with my head up, than struggling and looking awkward while scanning the floor for dangers.
About the hours, I think it's the standard amount provided by the national health service in my country. From what they told me, the training should be pretty comprehensive, including sessions on taking public transport.
And yes, I think I'll ask my instructor for a couple blindfolded lessons, if he or she agrees.
About the hours, I think it's the standard amount provided by the national health service in my country. From what they told me, the training should be pretty comprehensive, including sessions on taking public transport.
And yes, I think I'll ask my instructor for a couple blindfolded lessons, if he or she agrees.
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