I have been walking a lot more since unwillingly giving up driving. I have grown in confidence with walking alone but I still find road crossing difficult. I'd given the cane the flick because we just weren't getting along. I haven't used it in some months now although there has been a little voice in the back of my mind telling me to pull it out again and give it another go.
Yesterday was the big day when Mr. Cane got his second chance to win me over. I must admit, he did a damn good job at it! I went for a walk with a friend who hadn't encountered anyone using a cane before so it was interesting for her to see how it was used and the reactions of others.
One of the big issues I've been having is that when I'm walking, others have no idea I'm vision impaired and if I make a mistake crossing they will think I'm an idiot. I like the fact the cane is a way of saying "Hey, I don't see good, look out for me". This was evident when we crossed a main road, without traffic lights, but with an island in the middle (so we could go half the road at a time). This particular spot had been an issue for me because the road is so busy I can't simply rely on my hearing and limited sight. In a way the cane was like my indicator signal of a car. People knew to be mindful of me. We had a great experience, each time we crossed (we did it a few times!), when we were on the island, a person would stop the traffic to let us cross. It really was a testament to how kind people can be. These small gestures increased my confidence with crossing roads and also gave me more trust in those around me.
We also noticed people's reactions when walking toward us. Each person we passed, even someone with a pram, moved off the footpath out of the way to let me pass. I don't know what I expected, that people would walk into me or make comments, but experiencing it first hand made me feel more at ease with the whole idea of using the cane and reduced the stigma to using it.
Mr Cane and I have gone on another date today, with similar success, and we are on the road to a happy and long partnership. Up until this point, I wasn't ready to accept the fact I may need extra help getting around and there is nothing wrong with that. Now is the right time for me and I will embrace it and continue to gain more confidence and independence.
I've had a cane for over a year now but haven't been brave enough to use it. My vision is further deteriorating and I decided it was time to accept the cane. I have an amazing mobility instructor from Guide Dogs who has been helping me learn how to get around using the cane.
A big issue for me is not feeling like I'm in control stemming from the fact I can't see what's in front of me and what's coming toward me. I know I'm a control freak so not being able to see where I am or what's coming up terrifies me and cause me anxiety. I've also realised than to cross roads I simply hope for the best which is not something I'd advise!
Working with somebody is so beneficial, it is giving me the confidence to explore and feel comfortable using the cane. I've learnt how to cross a street, safe places to cross and to trust my ears more. I've also learnt how to use the cane for stairs which hopefully will prevent some of the bruises I have from constantly stacking it! Going up stairs isn't to hard but down is definitely a challenge with the cane and more practice is needed.
In my last session I walked down a main road near my house. I felt as though everybody was watching, of course I couldn't see them, but you get the feeling that people are staring. I was also thinking that someone who knows me could see me and I felt uneasy at the thought. Not so much that I'm embarrassed of my condition but I'm still getting my head around it. It's definitely a foreign feeling that's hard to describe unless you have experienced it. In a way the moment was like me coming out and saying 'hey I'm vision impaired'. I also made a comment about the impression I'd make, walking down the street in high heels with my Louis Vuitton handbag.. Definitely a sight to see!
I highly recommend talking to your local vision impairment organisation and getting involved in a mobility program. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has been the most positive experience I've had on this journey. And most importantly, don't be afraid to accept help!
Guide Dogs have launched their "Watch out, cane about" campaign with an informative and positive video. Everyday pedestrians are blind folded and attempt to cross a road with a cane and a guide. It is really interesting to see the reactions of others. The is also a guide on what to do if you see a person crossing the road with a cane.
Great video to share with family and friends to help them better understand what it is like using a cane.
Thanks Guide Dogs!
I got my purple cane delivered in the mail! I was so excited and opened it to find that I had a stick, but no ball. I was a bit confused and thought I could maybe use it to poke people instead.
Turns out they come separate and when I had my mobility session with Guide Dogs I would get the ball.
Which brings me to the mobility sessions. I was quite weary at first, walking around with a cane and even though I don't need it constantly it is a skill I will most probably need in the future. I found the actual sessions to be quite fun and not at all as scary and upsetting as I thought.
We walked my local streets to learn the technique of using a cane, and it is harder than I thought! The less I thought about the more natural it become and I started to feel comfortable using it.
I never noticed before how much I concentrate on seeing where I am walking to the point where I give myself eye strain and it hurts! It's such a feeling of freedom to have the confidence to look ahead or what's around me without worrying about the ground in front of me.
So far I have had two sessions and I look forward to them. I will keep you updated!
I had my first contact with Guide Dogs last week, but no, unfortunately not to get a cute little retriever (that I want so badly to cuddle). Not only do they do the obvious guide dogs but also mobility training, advocacy and information services amongst other stuff.
My first appointment was to get to know me and what I might need. It's great because they come to you and help you become more comfortable within your own environment. We went for a walk on the streets around my home, and then I was asked if I wanted to try using a stick. I was a bit scared 1. what if people noticed me and 2. I thought I might look silly, but I realised how stupid these thoughts were and who cares what anyone else thinks?! Not me!
I'm glad I gave the stick a go it was really helpful and I didn't realise that when I walk I pay most my attention to the ground. It means I can look forward instead of watching my own feet.
Guide Dogs offer mobility training, where they come out to you and go through techniques to get around in your daily life. I have organised to do this as I thought I may not need everything at present but it is a good time to learn the skills and start practicing them.
Did I mention I ordered my own stick, yes and it's going to be PURPLE! (Very excited).
I highly recommend Guide Dogs, which are in every state in Australia. They are very helpful, compassionate and knowledgeable and I look forward to keeping in contact with the organisation.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Guide Dogs Victoria
Guide Dogs SA/NT
Guide Dogs Tasmania
