RE: Could a smart backpack replace guide dogs? Researchers think so. - The Washington Post

Shirley Tracy Sat, 29 May 2021 17:08:48 -0700

Hi,

I’m going to put my two cents in here, and then I’ll fold my hands and stop using the keyboard. 😊

I have made more friends and enjoyed my life far more since I stopped being imbarrased about my blindness and learned how to relax and be comfortable with who I am. But not being able to see even light is only part of who I am. I don’t shove my blindness in anyone’s face, but I don’t cover it up. It’s just part of who I am. I’d rather get from point A to point B with a cane, a dog, or a computer (whatever works best for me) than to have to depend on someone to walk me everywhere. I take help when I really need it, but I try to do what I can for myself. The more we relax with ourselves and with others, the more they will relax with us, no matter what we use for mobility. We’re never going to please everyone. That’s just the facts. And I use a guide dog because I can get where I’m going quicker and safer. I hate using a cane because I don’t use it smoothly. I love my dog, but if the backpack works and isn’t too cumbersome, I’d probably give it a try. I’ve come full circle from the way I used to be, and I’m so much happier now.

Cheers,

Shirley Tracy

From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 11:48 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Could a smart backpack replace guide dogs? Researchers think so. - The Washington Post

Amen brother.

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 8:33 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Could a smart backpack replace guide dogs? Researchers think so. - The Washington Post

I agree that a cane does not help if somebody has no sense of direction, but to be embarrassed by it to make is not an issue and I think nobody should be embarrassed about whatever it is they need to be independent. This would be like somebody in a wheelchair being embarrassed that they have to use a wheelchair or somebody with a hearing aid being embarrassed they need one of those. How about people who lost a limb and have a prosthetic arm or leg, should they be embarrassed?

The fact is that we all are who we are and if you are embarrassed by the cane then where does that stop? Would you be embarrassed if you had to wear thick glasses and how about that future super backpack, people will still know that you are blind and the smart, high-tech content of said backpack will require all sorts of sensors and cameras to function which maybe more or less noticeable by others. And in any case, what do I care what others think? Maybe I care to a degree when it comes to people close to me, but if I were walking down the street and a bunch of idiots were openly pointing at me and laughing their heads off because of my cane then I would maybe pity them, but I sure wouldn't feel embarrassed by it.

maybe

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of goshawk on horseback
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2021 11:22 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Could a smart backpack replace guide dogs? Researchers think so. - The Washington Post
Importance: High

completely agree! I know it's handy for giving the sighted wallies who don't look where they are going a good ankle bashing, but as I think I said before, if one has no sense of direction, the cane is of very limited use for actually getting about.

Simon

----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2021 11:22 AM
Subject: RE: Could a smart backpack replace guide dogs? Researchers think so. - The Washington Post

Completely agree. To many people in this world seem to have their canes attached to their personalities. A cane to me is like having to carry around some surgical implement. The quicker we can replace it, the better I say.

Marco

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of alia robinson
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2021 7:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Could a smart backpack replace guide dogs? Researchers think so. - The Washington Post
Importance: High

why is it ridiculous? sighted people get directions on their phone, and are told what to do at every turn. I personally was always embarrassed by a cane, and allergic to dogs. if tech can help us out why not? I for one hated my cane, loathed it because it made me feel different than my sighted friends at school. I live in a rural area, like to walk close arm in arm with my husband, and my cane is in a closet, and has been for years. If I could use something techy I would be far more excited about travelling alone.

On May 24, 2021, at 1:10 AM, goshawk on horseback <[email protected]> wrote:

that's all well and good, but if like myself for example, you have no sense of direction, and need something that is going to be able to work out a rout for you, find places for you such as the right shop, pub, restaurant etc. and do it all with pin point accuracy, the cane is next to useless!
so for someone like myself, the robot guide dog, if fitted with the right tech, is a super fantastic idea.

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RE: Could a smart backpack replace guide dogs? Researchers think so. - The Washington Post

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