Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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[deleted by user] (self.Blind)
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gunfart 4 points 1y ago
Why do you have to use a cane in secret? Why are you allowing your family to dictate your medical needs? How old are you? The first thing you need to learn about using a cane, is that if you need to use it, don’t be afraid to.
kaishawna 2 points 1y ago
I have to because my family thinks that only completely blind people need a cane. They think because I have to wear glasses, they think those help. I can see some with the glasses, but they still make my vision blurry. I am 20 and reside in the States. I worry a lot because I have severe anxiety which causes me to overthink. If I'm using the cane in daylight, I'll think that one of my family members might see me with the cane when they are driving. I am more confident than I would have been a few years ago, but I am still afraid. I guess I feel guilty using the cane because I can see in the daytime, but not at night. I see colors and all that, but it's blurry as heck. I wanted to tell my birth mother about the cane today, but I held back because she wouldn't keep that between us. My family are mostly women and have conditioned me to behave like a "lady". They verbally abuse me when I am standing up for myself, so that further causes stress. I am also autistic with moderate hearing loss as well as moderate support needs. I can't live on my own at the moment. They don't like having captions on all of the TVs of I am in a room with them. They say I have a TV in my room, so I can only use the captions in my room.
They have told me mostly negative things in my life and now I have to go to group therapy because of my mental health. I was having constant meltdowns, so I knew I needed to get help myself.
They say they understand me, but they don't know me at all. I only know myself.
They have told me mostly negative things in my life and now I have to go to group therapy because of my mental health. I was having constant meltdowns, so I knew I needed to get help myself.
They say they understand me, but they don't know me at all. I only know myself.
gunfart 4 points 1y ago
No, you do not have to. You should not allow your family to tell you what you do or do not need for your own medical needs. If you feel more comfortable using a cane, use it. The issue I see here, is that you are a fully grown adult and still allow your family to tell you what you can or cannot do. You are in college. What would happen if you use your cane in front of your family? They say a few words to you? OK, ignore it and keep moving forward because you need this. I completely understand that it is easier said than done, however you need to understand that one thing that is taught when visually impaired is self advocacy. You have to stand up for yourself. No one will do that for you. These words may sound mean and harsh, but please understand that I do not mean them that way. I am simply trying to convey the truth, and hope that you take heed to it. Please stand up for yourself and do what is right for you, not what your family thinks.
kaishawna 1 points 1y ago
This puts things into perspective. The one thing I worry about is them taking the cane from me. I am slowly starting to do things on my own without their guidance.
JosephSeabourne 3 points 1y ago
I mean, if they take the cane away from you, then - if you wanted to - you could potentially seek legal action.
1. That's theft. Straight and simple. Theft.
2. It's discrimination. I'm not American, so don't know the ins and outs of the ADA, but there should be something in there that protects you in that way.
But yeah, definitely stand up for yourself. Advocate for what you need, not what your family want you to need.
And yes, you are blind enough for a cane.
1. That's theft. Straight and simple. Theft.
2. It's discrimination. I'm not American, so don't know the ins and outs of the ADA, but there should be something in there that protects you in that way.
But yeah, definitely stand up for yourself. Advocate for what you need, not what your family want you to need.
And yes, you are blind enough for a cane.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
[removed]
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
[removed]
Amonwilde 2 points 1y ago
Hey, I don't know why this book doesn't come up higher when you google, but I think it's pretty good as an intro to using a cane.
https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/fr/fr15/issue1/f1501tc2.html
https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/fr/fr15/issue1/f1501tc2.html
SoapyRiley 2 points 1y ago
Check out the YouTube channel Blind on the Move.
And maybe have your family talk to a vision rehabilitation counselor or O&M instructor to explain to them that if you can’t clearly see where you’re putting your feet, you’re in danger. Total blindness not necessary. They may be more willing to believe a specialist.
And maybe have your family talk to a vision rehabilitation counselor or O&M instructor to explain to them that if you can’t clearly see where you’re putting your feet, you’re in danger. Total blindness not necessary. They may be more willing to believe a specialist.
FencingJester 2 points 1y ago
An O&M may schedule with you when you're on campus.
You might like a metal glider tip, they're lightweight and can switch between constant contact and two point touch on most surfaces.
There are several good videos on YouTube, especially for stairs.
Make sure your cane is a good height for you. You may like a foldable one as it would be easier to sneak around (also it's awfully crumby you have to sneak around).
I think of the sweeping motion as if my cane is attached to my legs, and as one leg moves forward it pushes the cane to the opposite side.
You might like a metal glider tip, they're lightweight and can switch between constant contact and two point touch on most surfaces.
There are several good videos on YouTube, especially for stairs.
Make sure your cane is a good height for you. You may like a foldable one as it would be easier to sneak around (also it's awfully crumby you have to sneak around).
I think of the sweeping motion as if my cane is attached to my legs, and as one leg moves forward it pushes the cane to the opposite side.
kaishawna 2 points 1y ago
I have a folding cane. It's hidden away in my closet.
kaishawna 1 points 1y ago
Thanks. This helps. I shouldn't have to do that just to use a tool that can help me.
HeftyCryptographer21 2 points 1y ago
I am in the same boat as you. Look up some cane techniques on the internet if you can. Also, general practice helps. Doing it more and more until it becomes second nature, and will probably help you more than you know.
JosephSeabourne 1 points 1y ago
As for cane advice… you should get professional instruction. It's hard for us to give you help, and impossible to really provide feedback. More importantly, if you feel you need a cane, but aren't using it correctly, that might not end well.
impablomations 2 points 1y ago
You appear to be shadowbanned, you may wish to appeal to the site admins about this.
https://www.reddit.com/appeals
https://www.reddit.com/appeals
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