[Blind-rollers] hello.

[dmgina]

Hi this is Dar,
I use a walking cane with my guide dog.
Did this off and on for years.
Now it is on again.
Dealing with vertigo, as well as falling from time to time, I felt it better 
to do the cane.
I admire that you want to go this fast in your chair.
Do you live in an area where you have only ramp curbs?

--Dar
www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
Every Saint has a past
Every Sinner has a future

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carrie Ann Lucas" <clucas at disabilitypride.com>
To: "'Blind wheelchair users list'" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 5:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] hello.


> Hello all,
>
> Right now, about half the time, and when it is light, I have enough vision
> to navigate without my cane in familiar territory.  I use my cane in
> unfamiliar territory, and in the dark.  At times my vision is little more
> than light and movement perception, and I have a much harder time in
> unfamiliar territory during those times.  The rest of the time I can see
> some in good light.
>
> I use a 21st Century Scientific Bounder chair, which is rear wheel drive 
> and
> built like a tank.  I used to have my chair set VERY fast, 11 mph or so.
> Now I run at 6 - 6.5 mph top speed.  I use a telescoping cane with a metal
> tip.  I stabbed myself in the stomach too many times with a folding cane.
> If the cane catches and I can't stop in time, this one just telescopes 
> onto
> itself, rather than stabbing me or breaking.  My problem is that a lot of
> times I then drop my cane, and I can't always find it.
>
> As for how I navigate, I just use my cane.  I do rely a great deal on my
> residual vision, especially for crossing streets, except in those areas
> where I am lucky enough to have vibrotactle pedestrian signals.
>
> I have a progressive neuromuscular disease, and don't have the arm 
> function
> to use a manual chair.  My vision, hearing and mobility issues are all
> unrelated, I just hit some weird genetic jackpot, but all my kids were
> adopted, so their disabilities are also unrelated (the oldest has a 
> genetic
> syndrome, one was a micro-preemie and now has cerebral palsy, and the
> other's disabilities are the result of abuse and neglect).
>
> Carrie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> Hi Carrie --
> Wow, you do have the load of challenges!  I am not deaf but do need 
> hearing
> aids as my hearing is 50% without them, but my vision is down to light and
> color perception nowadays.  I ask you the same question I asked Dan -- how
> on earth do you use a power chair to navigate, especially in unfamiliar
> territory? Or do you avoid unfamiliar terrain without a travel companion?
> Great that you're working.  Sorry to hear your children have to battle 
> some
> of the same challenges.  That is one reason I never had kids -- not that I
> judge anyone who does have them, but I was afraid of passing along those
> annoying little genes that have caused me so much trouble...
> But I'm a very proud and doting aunt...
> I should probably introduce myself -- I am a computer programmer --  
> degrees
> in math and computer science -- who worked 12 years after grad school and
> then had to go on disability due to a "perfect storm" of setbacks.
> I have been home now for about 10 years but keeping busy with various 
> things
> and trying to find useful ways of spending my time.
> My employer's disability insurance made it possible to get by without
> working for a while -- I live with Mom. We are a team.  She takes care of
> the house, and when I was working I paid all the bills, but now she and I
> share the finances.  She is 83. I will be 50 this year.
> I keep my ear to the job opportunities out there, but have been spending 
> my
> time in volunteer activities and projects for the time being.
> Well, hope to hear more from you as it sounds like you'd have a lot of
> interesting things to share.
> Take care.
> --le
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Blind-rollers mailing list
> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.19/917 - Release Date: 7/25/2007 
> 1:16 AM
>
>