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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2021 - 11 - 18 - ID#qwlauv
4
Initial O&M appointment tomorrow-any advice? (self.Blind)
submitted by letspaintthesky
Because of staying in constantly and vision changes, my ability to cope outside of my house, especially when walking (I sometimes use a wheelchair, but am pushed) has diminished. The busier the place, the more impaired I feel (does that make sense?)

I had an appointment for August, which was made in June (and cancelled because of lockdown-go figure, Covid ruins things designed to fix things Covid ruined). I finally got a new appointment last week for tomorrow-YAY!

Any stories, advice, hints, tips, questions I should ask, things I should definitely mention, etc, please?

Thanks


Update-it. was. awesome. I learned to use a cane to get around the mall (crossing a small street at the lights, stairs, escalators, crowds) and next week, my O&M is going to help me gain confidence crossing a 6 lane road and taking the bus by myself :D


When I woke up this morning, I never could have imagined not being terrified of stairs or escalators, and here I am, adding stuff to the list of things I want to do. I'm so glad I finally did this.
Trick-Regret-493 2 points 1y ago
I'm not v good at Reddit, but it would surprise me if there isn't one. Would be interesting to hear about different experience in different places.
KillerLag 2 points 1y ago
Staying open-minded to the training is important. I've had a few clients who absolutely refused to do certain things because "they don't want to look too blind" or some variation of that. For example... upper protective technique is a useful way to protect your face, but it does involve holding your arm at head level. I've literally had a client who refused to do it and was willing to let leaves smack them in the face :S (I at least managed to convince them to wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim for protection).

If you have any questions, definitely ask the O&M. It is better to be sure than make assumptions, especially in regards to safety.
letspaintthesky [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Yeah, my Instructor was great, she checked in on my comfort levels constantly, and I kept saying 'I'll try anything', and then she'd ask if I thought I needed to, and I'd respond 'You're the expert, I'll do what you say' and it was great. I think a lot of people are hesitant, because she was trying to be very gentle when suggesting a sight cane. By the end of the hour, I wanted to steal her demo one!


HOLY SHIT! I never knew walking could be easy-canes change everything! She put in an order for mine, and hopefully it will arrive this week.
KillerLag 2 points 1y ago
Good to hear. Some instructors push harder than others, but it also depends on a person's comfort level, their medical situation, etc.

Hopefully you get the cane soon! I had some minor delays in my area with shipping, but I think we just got a bunch delivered recently.
Trick-Regret-493 2 points 1y ago
So happy for you! I started about a month ago, and already I am feeling more freedom.
letspaintthesky [OP] 1 points 1y ago
It changed my life. My O&M already ordered me a cane :D


Do people always walk around with their heads held high, good posture and not stumbling around like they're drunk? Because experiencing that today with her demo cane was WILD.
Trick-Regret-493 2 points 1y ago
That's great! Im still learning, so I stumbled here and there, but it's given me so much confidence. Hope it continues to go well for you. I'll be learning with you.
letspaintthesky [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thanks-I hope it keeps going well for you, too :)
Trick-Regret-493 1 points 1y ago
Are you doing yours in US?
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