Feeling the Way...

Travelling with my white cane…

Walking with a white cane is not as simple as you might think. It takes lots of practice to master it and to be able to travel independently and safely with it. First of all, you have to learn to hold the cane correctly. Then, there are different techniques that can be used to feel the way. Next is the ability to walk straight and to recognize the obstacles. When you can't see, you use your remaining senses for orientation. However, during mobility training you learn all these things, so you are able to travel around without any help.

The problem is the society. I know people often think that they are being helpful if they grab a blind person by the arm and drag them across the street, for example. But what if the blind person doesn't want to cross the street at all? The biggest problem is that such an action is a very scary experience for the blind person. Who just grabbed me? Where is this person taking me? Where am I? How do I find the right direction again? All of these things start rushing through your mind when you can't see what's going on. You lose your concentration, you become disoriented and it can be very difficult to find your bearings again.

So, here' the right way to help a blind person:
If you see a person travelling with a white cane and want to help them, approach them and ASK them if they need help. If they accept, they'll let you know how you can help them. However, if they refuse, don't feel offended. Blind people are perfectly capable of travelling around independently.