Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
6
↓
How do learn how to use a white cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by BlackbirdKnowsAll
I began to loose my eyesight a few years ago, while I was living in a city. I then spent a year in a more rural area but I moved back to a city and I'm struggling to readapt, especially as I feel my peripheral vision has decreased. I am legally blind, but I can still see straight in front of me. The issue is I keep running into people because they "pop" into my line of sight too late or it is dark and I don't see them. I'm also struggling with steps, I just don't feel confident and I'm feeling out each step with my foot.
I just think having a signal cane would help a ton, to let others know to move around me, as well as help with things like steps. I guess I feel like I'm suppose to take a class or receive training to learn how to use a cane. However, I don't feel like I can find any resources on it!
So I'm wondering, how did everyone else learn? Is there someplace I'm suppose to contact? Or did you just teach yourself?
EDIT: Located in NYC! So I mean there HAS to be training but I've tried to do research on organizations that offer training to no avail! I'm guessing I'm just not looking in the right place/using wrong search terms.
(Sorry for any grammar errors, little tired!)
I just think having a signal cane would help a ton, to let others know to move around me, as well as help with things like steps. I guess I feel like I'm suppose to take a class or receive training to learn how to use a cane. However, I don't feel like I can find any resources on it!
So I'm wondering, how did everyone else learn? Is there someplace I'm suppose to contact? Or did you just teach yourself?
EDIT: Located in NYC! So I mean there HAS to be training but I've tried to do research on organizations that offer training to no avail! I'm guessing I'm just not looking in the right place/using wrong search terms.
(Sorry for any grammar errors, little tired!)
OldManOnFire 3 points 1y ago
You already know how to use it, you just haven't realized it yet.
https://quicklygoingblind.blogspot.com/2022/03/street-trigonometry-and-white-canes.html
https://quicklygoingblind.blogspot.com/2022/03/street-trigonometry-and-white-canes.html
r_1235 3 points 1y ago
I actually saw bunch of youtube tutorials. Lol!
But again, I am just using the cane as an ID cane, occasionally to poke around to see if there's a streat dog in front of me.
And, it's surprising someone somewhere haven't written a book on this thing.
Perhaps, I should write one?
But again, I am just using the cane as an ID cane, occasionally to poke around to see if there's a streat dog in front of me.
And, it's surprising someone somewhere haven't written a book on this thing.
Perhaps, I should write one?
ginsenshi 4 points 1y ago
CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE: Instructions in Cane Travel for Blind People
by Thomas Bickford
https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/fr/fr15/issue1/f1501tc2.html
It’s old but a good starting point
r_1235 2 points 1y ago
Feeding? I am getting some... disturbing implications in mind!
CloudyBeep 3 points 1y ago
Contact a local blindness organization such as a rehabilitation agency. Where are you located? We can offer suggestions.
BlackbirdKnowsAll [OP] 3 points 1y ago
NYC, so I mean there HAS to be training somewhere, I just can't find it for whatever reason. Assuming I'm search for the wrong thing.
KillerLag 2 points 1y ago
Lighthouse Guild in New York City
https://lighthouseguild.org/support-services/orientation-and-mobility/
New York State Commission for the Blind.
https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/nyscb/programs/vocational-rehab.php
Contact them regarding Orientation and Mobility Training.
https://lighthouseguild.org/support-services/orientation-and-mobility/
New York State Commission for the Blind.
https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/nyscb/programs/vocational-rehab.php
Contact them regarding Orientation and Mobility Training.
AllHarlowsEve 2 points 1y ago
You want to contact the New York State Comission for the Blind, much like in any other state. It's a state agency that provides training, equipment and funding to help you live a productive life.
While self-training is absolutely possible, I'm kind of concerned how many commenters went for that, rather than the actual agencies made to help you.
While self-training is absolutely possible, I'm kind of concerned how many commenters went for that, rather than the actual agencies made to help you.
snimminycricket 2 points 1y ago
Have you searched for "orientation and mobility training"? That's the official name of what you're looking for, or O&M for short.
BlackbirdKnowsAll [OP] 3 points 1y ago
THANK YOU! I think that is really what I needed. Thanks.
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
I am sure there is a blindness place around you or a blindness center right? You can get some cane training for that.
Also if you’re having trouble even walking it may be good to not just get an id cane but also a mobility cane.
Where are you? If in the Us there’s probably a lighthouse near you or a vocational rehabilitation counselor or department in your city.
Also if you’re having trouble even walking it may be good to not just get an id cane but also a mobility cane.
Where are you? If in the Us there’s probably a lighthouse near you or a vocational rehabilitation counselor or department in your city.
BaBaBroke 1 points 1y ago
I went to the New York eye and ear infirmary at Mount Sinai, 310 east fourteenth street, south building, New York City.
I went there for a study, no training. They may have what you are looking for or at least help you find it.
I went there for a study, no training. They may have what you are looking for or at least help you find it.
Aggressive-Yoghurt31 0 points 1y ago
Of course training would be very helpful but using a white cane is very instinctive you just grab it go outside and use it to help you and eventually you will find out what works for you
CloudyBeep 3 points 1y ago
Doing this can lead to the formation of bad habits which may cause unsafe behaviors. Competent cane users don't just "cee what works for [them]"—they use techniques which have been tried and tested over the last 100 years. You should *not* teach yourself how to use a cane if at all possible.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.