[Blind-rollers] hello.

Thu Jul 26 16:01:00 CDT 2007

Hi Dan,
I want to learn as much as I can.
I still don't know how you folks know what to do if you have an area that 
has a step down curb.
You go up to the curb and back to the alley?
am I correct on this one?
but I would be afraid I would hit my face going on the side of the curb, and 
I would be afraid to be in the street.
I want to learn as much as I can, so if I am with the same situation I know 
I can still travel.
I also would like to see the list encourage the Medical.
But to make sure you can control your chair down a hill.
things like this.
Thanks,

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

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan" <JazzyDan at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Blind wheelchair users list" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] hello.

> Hello Dar,
> This is Dan.
> I know that some people like going really fast and that's OK.
> Personally, my chair does just under 4 MPH and that's about as fast
> as I normally walked while using a cane before switching to the
> wheelchair. I am happy at this speed. No it's not the 11 MPH that
> some units can run at, but it works for me.
> However, having said that, sometimes I wish it ran around 5 MPH when
> crossing streets. But even at that things have worked real well for me.
> You know, it's really interesting to read about and discuss all the
> different things that those of us who use wheelchairs face every day.
> Also, in time, I hope this list will really prove to be a good place
> for tips and other worthwhile advice.
> One other thing that I would like to say is this. Contrary to what
> some might think, and that includes professionals in the field, blind
> people really can successfully use wheelchairs and it really helps us
> just as much as it'd help any other person needing a manual or power
> chair.
> I bring this up because one professional told me in no uncertain
> terms that a blind person should never be allowed to use a wheelchair
> without sighted assistance. Well, several times in the last year,
> I've had occasion to be in the same building where this professional
> works. A few weeks ago, she finally said to me, "I guess it really
> can be done."
> That's enough of my rambling for now.
> Dan
> On Jul 26, 2007, at 10:18 AM, dmgina wrote:
>
>> 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
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>> 1:16 AM
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>>>
>>
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