Dear All: In reading the many postings about mobility, sighted guides and canes, it is apparent that many people on this list have never had any formal training in use of the white cane. I am thinking of those who have posted who have become blind in adulthood or are from rural areas where blindness rehabilitation training has not been available.
Of course there is no substitute for a structured program in rehab and adjustment to blindness as would be received from a formal rehabilitation center. But there are documents that clearly articulate how a white cane is used and give detailed steps for learning, or improving cane technique. There is one such document on the National Federation of the Blind's web site called "The Care and Feeding of the White Cane." It is written for conditions that would be found in developed countries but is very applicable to our conditions in India. It is on their web site as a series of documents by topic. I do not think it is downloadable as a whole document. However, if enough people would find it helpful I am willing to piece it together in word and make it available as a printable document. I could also make notations about variations in described techniques that would apply to our conditions. Again, this would not substitute for formal mobility training, but for people who have lost their vision and just need to get on with life perhaps it would be helpful. Even though I have been a cane traveler for many years I always get something out of it every time I read it. As a printed document it would also be available to reluctant family members and friends who really don't know how blind people manage independent travel. I would like to know if this document is something people would find of benefit? Jean Register for AccessIndia convention 2011(November 12-13) at: http://www.accessindia.org.in/harish/convention.htm Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
