MEET MY NEW CANE

I realized I was experiencing Low Vision in December 2014. While searching for more information, I became aware of Minnesota’s State Services for the Blind (SSB). SSB operates a program in conjunction with Minnesota Employment & Economic Development to provide folks like me the tools, training and technology to live independently and keep working [link].

One of the first steps provided by SSB is learning the basic skills of dealing with vision loss on a practical level. One of these basic skills is learning how to use a cane.

I never imaged that I would ever use a cane.  I had the common (and misinformed) opinion that a cane was only for people who are totally blind. I thought using a cane meant the user was “old and in the way.” Certainly that is not me!  Using a cane didn’t fit my rock n roll lifestyle or my self-identity. I was wrong.

LEARNING THE BASICS OF USING A CANE

SSB put my in touch with an Orientation & Mobility (O&M) specialist and coach: John Higggins from Invision Services [link] for my cane training. John and his associates at Invision provide a variety of service to enhance and enrich the lives of visually impaired kids and adults.

I learned from John that even though my low vision condition doesn’t require me to use a cane in most situations now, learning how to use a cane is important for my safety. In the future, as my vision loss progresses, using a cane will be imperative for my mobility.

LESSON: A cane is also a “defensive” tool.  It signals to folks that a “disabled” person is in their midst.

Think about it.  If you see a person using a cane entering a crosswalk, you (hopefully) will give them the right-of-way. I was amazed when I first used my came at the grocery store. Customers moved out of the way so I had clear access to the isles. A store employee asked me if I needed help finding something. This gave me a sense of comfort, control and belonging.

CANE BASICS

Sometimes I feel I am being so overloaded with information and that I might forget a valuable lesson.  So, I asked John Higgins if we could make a few short videos to preserve the techniques he had taught me about using a cane.  With his permission I’d like to share the videos with you.

1. The proper way to hold a cane.

2. Using the slide technique to find my way.

 

3. Using the touch technique to find my way.

4. Using the diagonal technique to find my way.

5. Using the cane to ascend stairs.

6. Using the cane to descend stairs (version one).

7. Using the cane to descend stairs (version two).

8. How to keep my can out of the way when I am standing still.