Raising Cane Lynne Tatum I've used a white mobility cane for over twenty years and I can't thank my friends enough for advising me to begin doing so as a device for identification and safety. It's been a lifesaver on many occasions and I never leave home without it.
Much like guide dog users, we cane raisers have our preferences. Back in the day, my cane was at recommended height, somewhere near my sternum, with a small tip. For years, though, I've used a cane that reaches just under my nose and I feel more secure as it indisputably parts the pedestrians on our crowded streets. I once met a woman shorter than I who used a cane that was taller than she. I thought that a bit odd but who am I to judge? You might find it amusing that I sometimes talk to my cane as if it's human, thanking it for doing a good job of getting me safely around an obstacle or scolding it after I've whacked my noggin into an object that it smoothly slid right under. These scenarios are more likely to happen as New York City has more construction going on than ever. Currently, I use a cane with a rather large ball on the end, finding it extremely useful here in the city for identifying the multitude of dangerous cracks and uneven parts of our sidewalks. The ball also adds extra weight to the cane, which I like, but others might find too heavy to swing. An amusing aspect of this cane is the fact that it attracts small children and dogs. They all want to play, and parents and owners must call them back from trying to chase it. Last Summer I thought I'd use my cane as a climbing tool. Thinking I'd reached our favorite fried chicken establishment, I began walking my cane up a fence. A kind gentleman came along to rescue me, propelling me towards the store entrance. That is what I get for allowing my talking to distract me. To date, I've had only one dangerous experience while using my cane. As I crossed a small familiar street, a young man came upon me, pushed me to the ground, grabbed my cane and went who knew where with it. Thoroughly shaken, I struggled up; dusted myself off and wondered what I'd do next. I didn't have to wait long as a woman arrived, handed my cane to me and assured me that I could go on my way. She had witnessed the incident and gathered people to help collect it. She even hailed a cab for me. An Urban Angel, I'll never forget her. Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
