White Cane Safety Day, or White Cane Day, is this Saturday! Itās hard to believe we are already in the middle of October (and National Disability Employment Awareness Month). Before you know it, it will be Halloween and then the holiday season! Because Iāve been so busy lately, I thought the best way to celebrate … Continued
Since President Lyndon B. Johnson and Congress passed its resolution in 1964, we celebrate "White Cane Safety Day" or more simply, "White Cane Day" every October 15th. The purpose of this exhilarating day (Yes, for those of us who are blind or visually impaired or who work in the field of blindness, this day is … Continued
If only we could write an eloquent thank-you to our service animals for Guide Dog Appreciation Month; let them know we appreciate their assistance and the freedom of independent travel the guide dogs enable. Maybe weād discuss the smiles they put on our faces, the heaping confidence they provide, the instant-connections with others they facilitate, … Continued
By Neva Fairchild The same principles for safety and ease of access that you employ at home can go with you into the workplace, and yet how many of us have really taken a look around the office with safety and efficiency in mind? Here are some work safety tips to get you started: If … Continued
By Neva Fairchild Are you thinking, āWhatās the Point? Iām not in school, and I donāt have a job. Where do I need to go, anyway?ā Has your Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructor asked you to practice what you have learned between lessons? Do you have trouble thinking of reasons to get out or places … Continued
I’m certain I won’t be alone in my excitement of Jennifer L. Cmar’s research findings. Listen to this: āResults [of her research]: Youths with high community travel scores were significantly more likely to be employed…up to six years postāhigh school.” This is good information (and thatās the understatement of the year). What can we do … Continued
Let’s play a game my children love: “Would You Rather?” Would you rather enter adulthood with a firm understanding of how your parents managed their money (including earning money; paychecks and taxes; budgeting; wise spending; saving; loans and debt; credit and debit cards; savings accounts; giving; and investing) or would you rather enter adulthood with … Continued
How does a person who is blind travel to work? People who are blind travel to work using Orientation and Mobility skills and tools. Some individuals who are blind or visually impaired prefer using long canes as they tap their way to the bus stop and office. They donāt want the commitment of a dog … Continued
You have come to the conclusion, though difficult to swallow, youāre a non-driver due to your blindness or significant visual impairment. One of many questions likely conjured up include, āHow can I get to and from work reliably?ā Iām assuming youāre here in search of answers. Answers: First, thereās walking to work if you live … Continued
Itās a lighthearted title, but itās not a lighthearted matter. If you are blind or significantly visually impaired and have minimal Orientation and Mobility (travel) skills, you have a choice to make. You can attend a residential program and/or pursue local training to learn: Cane techniques Route planning Problem-solving skills Techniques for crossing streets, and … Continued