[Blind-rollers] Intro

[Michael Russillo]

Hi list.  I am Peter Russillo in Stuart, Florida.  I've been using a 
light wheelchair since 2003 because a mobility impairment due in part 
to a leg fracture that didn't heal quite right.  This is how I do it:  
I use one of those light "transport chairs."  Since I still do some 
walking around home with a walker and there's not a problem with my 
feet, I propel the chair by using my feet, using it minus the 
footrests.  Has anyone on the list used this method to navigate around 
in a wheelchair of any kind?  I've tried using a long cane since my 
hands are free as I'm using my feet to move in the chair, but I'm 
curious as to whether a long cane or short cane is better for those of 
you who use a white cane along with the chair.  Also, at the state or 
national conventions, for those who use a wheelchair and are pretty 
independent, what do you do at a convention like a state or national 
NFB convention?  Do you bring a sighted pusher, or get enough 
directions to navigate around the convention hotels fairly 
independently?  I'm looking for any good feedback on this as I want to 
plan for when I go to a state or national convention to determine what 
is the best way to manage?  I've noticed that having my hands free 
while propelling the chair with my feet helps me with navigation and 
opening doors, and other things that might be more difficult when both 
hands are needed while using a walker.

Are there people on this list who live in Florida who I may correspond 
with to get their ideas or perhaps give them ideas on navigating around 
with a light wheelchair?  Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely, Peter Russillo

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