Networking Forum

The can and or the dog guide are important tools, but neither are of any value if they are not combined with a desire to do things. This includes the willingness to make mistakes and learn from them, and an attitude (nothing is ever more important than attitude) and belief that blindness is not one's only or even major charactoristi.

At first, I fought using a cane; "I'm not blind, and I don't need it." Then I realized the cane is not so much for me as it is for other people - to let them know I may react more slowly, and why it is I stand for a moment in front of the public restrooms figuring out which door to use.

I also carry a card, provided by the Oregon Commission for the Blind, which shows various kinds of blindness and vision impairments. With it, they can get a grasp of what I see - and that it's not all that much less than they do.

Would like to comment on Jim's question from a somewhat different perspective.

No doubt, whether we are White Cane or Guide Dog Users, we all use that which is most efficient to our needs. Having been a Cane User and now partnered with my 2nd "pup", there have been situations where each means of independent travel is superior. Because I am a Strategic Consultant, travel and workplace accommodations are sometimes not fair/reasonable for my Guide however, we do the best under the situation we face. Based on travel experience, I still pack a white cane when travelling just as a precaution.

It is a given whether we be seeking employment or, gainfully employed, we maximize the use of technology (including Assistive Technologies), our networking contacts, informational resources, etc. We should not, however, neglect the most significant component in our endeavors, i.e. "the human factor".

Without sighted assistance (when needed), mentors or, just someone to discuss an idea, without this "human factor", we cannot develop personal skills critical to success including effective communication, personal presentation or those other intangibles we need to be successful in interactions with other individuals.

It is rare when I don't have a trusted friend/colleague review my presentation to insure content, presentation style, handouts and a myriad of other variables are appropriate for the intended audience. While using the necessary accommodations to insure a successful outcome, it is that "Human factor" that reassures me the presentation is of the highest quality I can provide.

All excellent points James, Jeff , Bob. At the moment I use neither a cane or a guide dog, despite being legally blind. However, that's not to say the day won't come. I have had Orientation and Mobility training by the CNIB as well as having had the CNIB come to help make my home accessible to me - dots on the thermostat for the right readings etc. But I have to agree with James and Bob that the human factor, having sighted friends as well as visually impaired and blind friends and developing a good accepting attitude about myself as a disabled person and other persons with disabilities, are the best "tools" for handling my blindness. I also try to encourage the newly blind to utilize all the services of the CNIB, use Jaws, Kurzweil Reader etc. Participate , be all that you can be and do it with enthusiasm. More and more things are becoming adaptive and accessible every day. It may not be perfected yet but think about the strides we've have already made in the past 50 years.

I agree wholeheartedly that both the white cane and guide dog are important tools for independence. I've been a cane user since childhood, and I honestly don't know what I'd do or where I'd be without it. I take it everywhere I go, unless I am either inside my apartment or just outside either in front or back. I also don't need it in my parents' house so I just stow it away in a corner. Some people have suggested the guide dog option to me. Not to dwell on this, but my orientation&mobility skills could use some practice. To that end, two very important independence tools that are missing in a lot of places are truncated domes and accessible pedestrian signals. If people with perfect vision have traffic lights and little painted areas on the sidewalk, then we as people who are blind or visually-impaired should have some sort of equivalent. It's as simple as that. There are now audible announcements on trains and buses too. Those in the blindness "community" who oppose such accommodations aren't thinking about safety, and safety is a very important thing for independence. I've read literature from a certain unnamed organization of the blind that says these things aren't needed and that they aren't wanted. How the heck do those naysayers expect to be safe? I guess a part of me is saying though, more power to those who feel they can function independently without such things as accessible traffic lights and truncated domes. But the reality of it is that not all of us are at the same skill level.

Absolutely right on Jake, not all of us are at the same skill level and some of us haven't had to use white canes or guide dogs but that's not to say we aren't grateful that they are available to us whichever blind organization we use, whether in the US, Canada or elsewhere.

Truncated domes and accessible pedestrian signals, while an O&M enhancement are not a substitute for effective O&M skills. It's not likely statement is a "news Flash" but, an affirmation of what we all know.

It is unfortunate as we approach the 20th Anniversary of the ADA signing, accessibility/accommodations are still the exception rather than rule. Recall, latest update of the ADA Guidelines were published by the U.S. Access Board in 2004. The Bush Administration arrived at consensus with various players for implementation in Fall 2008. Unfortunately, the incoming Administration felt it was necessary for their incoming DOJ staff to review, placing their "stamp of approval" on the document. As a courtesy, the Bush Administration delayed publication, leaving the release to the Obama Administration.

Now, it's just over nine months into the new Administration. The Assn't Attorney General for Civil Rights (individual responsible for ADA enforcement) has recently been sworn-in. He already has a full plate as a result of Congressional activities related to "Hate Crimes", "Fair Housing" and the backlog of ADA complaints accumulating since change in Administration.

So, where does that leave the more structured standards for truncated domes and accessible pedestrian signals? Likely, the ADA Standards based on the 2004 Guidelines won't be published until sometime in early to mid-2010 then, there's a phase in period for implementation. While the "stimulus" is funding many traffic construction projects, a majority are "shovel ready" meaning the plans have been finalized under current applicable access standards so, the updated ADA Standards won't affect the built environment until such time they are phased in and, included in future design specifications.

Based on this overview, it is a safe presumption "White Canes" and "Guide Dogs" supplemented by accessible GPS technologies will be the realistic travel aides for the foreseeable future.

For those who may be unfamiliar with me, E-Sight profiled my professional accomplishments this past Spring. As an E-Sight Community Member, and participant in Web discussions, although clearly outside the focus of material customarily posted, I believe it critical to provide information contained herein

Based on several communications shared with me by disabled colleagues in the NYC area, the NY Lighthouse will implement changes to E-Sight which are likely to include personnel changes, ENN content/distribution and, as yet, other undefined actions.

It is clear Lighthouse activities are in some phase of implementation as phone calls to Nancy O'Connell are immediately directed to Voice Mail and E-Mail inquiries directed to E-Sight staffers have gone unanswered, an action which is the exception rather than the rule.

When speaking with a Lighthouse representative earlier today, it was noted E-Sight Subscribers can expect to receive an E-Mail comunication sometime next week advising of changes to ENN, frequency of distribution and, other information related to E-Sight.

Whatever actions are forthcoming by the Lighthouse, I trust these actions will not have a negative impact on ENN staffers who have worked to maintain continuity in the quality of ENN, its resources and the community it serves.