Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Legally blind and trying to retain some Independence around the house (self.Blind)
submitted by silverwolfdude
I'm looking for advice on purchasing a retractable rope or cord that is at least 60 ft long to allow me to throw trash by myself when no one is home to aid me. I can see well enough to find my way to the dumpster but when I turn around unless I'm connected to the fence gate I cannot see well enough to make it back to the correct gate on my own. I have tried looking online for retractable rope cords and leashes but none of them are long enough and the one retractable rope that I did find was almost $400 because it was made of metal. If anyone can suggest a long enough retractable rope of at least 60 ft that is not overly expensive or an appropriate alternate method of finding my way back to the correct fence gate I would appreciate it.
Update, solution found.
Update, solution found.
codeplaysleep 9 points 1y ago
Please don't take offense to this. I'm glad you found an immediate solution, but you really shouldn't have to be leashed to your house to get around, especially for a short route that you commonly travel. If you haven't done so, you should really look into getting some O&M training.
silverwolfdude [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I'm not sure what that is
Shadowwynd 4 points 1y ago
O&M stands for Orientation and Mobility. It usually includes, but is not limited to, using a white cane. It means paying attention to landmarks. e.g., how to feel the edge of the driveway with the cane, walk the driveway with the cane to avoid any obstacles, how to find the dumpster, how to re-orient yourself, how to return home. This skill is usually taught if a person who is blind will be in a new building a lot, but can also include how to navigate outside, use the bus system, navigate next to traffic and use intersections appropriate, walk around your neighborhood safely, and so on.
Another DIY solution could be installing a long clothesline between points and use a short leash as a tether to the clothesline. People do this with dogs - it is called a dog run. Obligatory Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Paws-Trolley-Exerciser-Silver/dp/B0002APK6C (75 feet, $40, 100 feet, $42). While I agree that leashing yourself to the house is not the best idea, if the idea is stupid but it works then it isn't stupid.
Another DIY solution could be installing a long clothesline between points and use a short leash as a tether to the clothesline. People do this with dogs - it is called a dog run. Obligatory Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Paws-Trolley-Exerciser-Silver/dp/B0002APK6C (75 feet, $40, 100 feet, $42). While I agree that leashing yourself to the house is not the best idea, if the idea is stupid but it works then it isn't stupid.
Bsmith0799 3 points 1y ago
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0912JSNP1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_KWY01QFE9PG5D2SYX4JH?psc=1
This is 49 foot. Best I can do. And under $15.
Most dog leashes are 6 foot. You can buy them for 1$ at Dollar tree. Clip two together and attach to the end of the clothesline when using.
Would that work?
This is 49 foot. Best I can do. And under $15.
Most dog leashes are 6 foot. You can buy them for 1$ at Dollar tree. Clip two together and attach to the end of the clothesline when using.
Would that work?
silverwolfdude [OP] 2 points 1y ago
That will actually work great, I can install it and attach a unused retractable dog leash that we already have to fill the rest of the slack. Thank you very much.
Bsmith0799 4 points 1y ago
I know a lot of people hate Amazon but its the only thing I use when finding solutions for other people...
It's a safe bet that they ship to wherever they're located, usually cheap, and wide variety of things. I can often help people find an accessibility solution in under 10 minutes this way
It's a safe bet that they ship to wherever they're located, usually cheap, and wide variety of things. I can often help people find an accessibility solution in under 10 minutes this way
silverwolfdude [OP] 3 points 1y ago
, I have my own issues with them but I've never not used them. I just didn't come across this particular item when I was searching myself before posting here. Thanks again for the assistance.
Bsmith0799 2 points 1y ago
You're welcome.
silverwolfdude [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Oh ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the advice and information.
codeplaysleep 1 points 1y ago
Please don't take offense to this. I'm glad you found an immediate solution, but you really shouldn't have to be leashed to your house to get around, especially for a short route that you commonly travel. If you haven't done so, you should really look into getting some O&M training.
codeplaysleep 1 points 1y ago
Please don't take offense to this. I'm glad you found an immediate solution, but you really shouldn't have to be leashed to your house to get around, especially for a short route that you commonly travel. If you haven't done so, you should really look into getting some O&M training.
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