From orleans24 at comcast.net  Wed May  1 17:35:41 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 11:35:41 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Article: [Alerts] ADAPT Press Release: HUD
	HEADQUARTERS LOCKED DOWN BY ACTIVISTS DEMANDING HOUSING FOR
	PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Message-ID: <1744EF0050B445EE81D133C1AF951379@bibi>

Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 10:29 AM
Subject: [Alerts] ADAPT Press Release: HUD HEADQUARTERS LOCKED DOWN BY ACTIVISTS DEMANDING HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Daniese McMullin-Powell, 302-507-7546
Adam Ballard, 708-945-3893
Janine Bertram, 503-915-5247 or janinebk at mac.com
HUD HEADQUARTERS LOCKED DOWN BY ACTIVISTS DEMANDING HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES
ADAPT Urges Obama Administration to Keep Its Promises on Community Living
for People with Disabilities
Washington, DC -- ADAPT, the national disability rights group, has
hundreds of activists barricaded at the headquarters of the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) right now. They are
demanding that HUD do more to open housing for people with disabilities
trying to move out of nursing facilities and institutions.
"It's a complete scandal that thousands and thousands of people with
disabilities are waiting to get out of institutional settings, and HUD is
moving at only a glacial pace to address this need," said Bruce Darling of
Rochester ADAPT.  "Everyone thinks the housing crisis in America is only
about foreclosures.  While that is huge, there is another housing crisis
that is going vastly unaddressed."
Several class action lawsuits across the country have resulted in court
agreements for states to move people living in nursing homes and
institutions into the community.  The difficulty is that most of these
class members have little to no income and therefore need subsidized as
well as accessible housing.
"We are here today because HUD has told us that they promised to issue
agency-wide policy on this problem," said Daniese McMullin-Powell of
Delaware ADAPT.  "I was there when they made this promise to us in
January. They even showed us a draft.  Why hasn't it been issued?  Is HUD backpedaling on progress?"
To be added to our press list for daily press updates, please email Janine Bertram at 
janinebk at mac.com
More information about ADAPT can be found at 
http://www.adapt.org/
http://www.adapt.org/freeourpeople/2013/
and http://www.doloffmybody.org.
# # #
FOR MORE INFORMATION on ADAPT visit our website at http://www.adapt.org/
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From kethompson1964 at gmail.com  Fri May  3 19:19:31 2013
From: kethompson1964 at gmail.com (Kerry Thompson)
Date: Fri, 03 May 2013 15:19:31 -0400
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 63, Issue 1
In-Reply-To: <mailman.118.1367514064.1740.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
References: <mailman.118.1367514064.1740.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <51840DC3.8070706@gmail.com>

Thanks for posting this.

Kerry

On 5/2/2013 1:01 PM, blind-rollers-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
> Send Blind-rollers mailing list submissions to
> 	blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> 	http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers_nfbnet.org
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Blind-rollers digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
>     1. Article: [Alerts] ADAPT Press Release: HUD	HEADQUARTERS
>        LOCKED DOWN BY ACTIVISTS DEMANDING HOUSING FOR	PEOPLE WITH
>        DISABILITIES (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
>
>
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From orleans24 at comcast.net  Mon May  6 07:57:11 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 01:57:11 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] will be happy
Message-ID: <13CBDC55F3694CBA874B06B5494A4DD0@bibi>

hi, all,
I will be happy to have my pair of wheels up and running again soon.
United Seating and Mobility will be coming out to put in a brand new hinge on the seat of my power chair.
Been without it for over a month and I'll admit that it's been rough.
Still, I had to press on and do what I could for myself and to keep my legs going.
The longer distance is what really tires me out and the inclines.
Short distance doesn't ware me out as much though.
Once the hinge gets put in, I'll have to retrain myself with my chair, but I'm sticking with it.
A refresher doesn't hurt me one bit.
*Smiles*
Bibi and son Odie

From b.butterfly at comcast.net  Sat May 11 20:05:27 2013
From: b.butterfly at comcast.net (Becky Frankeberger)
Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 13:05:27 -0700
Subject: [Blind-rollers] wearable robots
Message-ID: <007c01ce4e82$e2097a30$a61c6e90$@butterfly@comcast.net>

When Michael Gore stands, it's a triumph of science and engineering. Eleven
years ago, Gore was paralyzed from the waist down in a workplace accident,
yet he rises from his wheelchair to his full 6-foot-2-inches and walks
across the room with help from a lightweight wearable robot.

The technology has many nicknames. Besides "wearable robot," the inventions
also are called "electronic legs" or "powered exoskeletons." This version,
called Indego, is among several competing products being used and tested in
U.S. rehab hospitals that hold promise not only for people such as Gore with
spinal injuries, but also those recovering from strokes or afflicted with
multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

Still at least a year away from the market, the 27-pound Indego is the
lightest of the powered exoskeletons. It snaps together from pieces that fit
into a backpack. The goal is for the user to be able to carry it on a
wheelchair, put it together, strap it on and walk independently. None of the
products, including the Indego, are yet approved by federal regulators for
personal use, meaning they must be used under the supervision of a physical
therapist.

Gore, 42, of Whiteville, N.C., demonstrated the device this week at the
American Spinal Injury Association meeting in Chicago, successfully
negotiating a noisy, crowded hallway of medical professionals and people
with spinal injuries in wheelchairs.

When he leans forward, the device takes a first step. When he tilts from
side to side, it walks. When Gore wants to stop, he leans back and the
robotic leg braces come to a halt. Gore uses forearm crutches for balance. A
battery in the hip piece powers the motors in the robotic legs.

"Being able to speak with you eye-to-eye is just a big emotional boost,"
Gore said to a reporter. "Being able to walk up to you and say hello is not
a big thing until you cannot do it."

The devices won't replace wheelchairs, which are faster. None of the devices
are speedy enough, for example, for a paralyzed person to walk across a
street before the light changes, said Arun Jayaraman of the Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago, who is testing a number of similar devices.

"None of them have fall prevention technology," Jayaraman said. "If the
person falls, they can hurt themselves badly. If you fall down, how do you
get off a robot that is strapped into you?" They need to be even lighter and
have longer-lasting batteries, he said.

Still, Jayaraman said, the devices might help prevent pressure sores from
sitting too long in a wheelchair, improve heart health, develop muscle
strength, lift depression and ultimately bring down medical costs by keeping
healthier patients out of the hospital.

Companies in Israel, New Zealand and California make competing devices, and
all the products are becoming less bulky as they are refined. The Indego was
invented at Vanderbilt University in Nashville and tested at the Shepherd
Center, a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta. It's now licensed to
Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin Corp., which makes precision engineered
products like aircraft wheels and brakes.

Like many other research participants in clinical studies, Gore receives a
stipend for his participation from Vanderbilt University.

It's unclear exactly how much the devices will cost if they become available
for personal use. Some technology news media reports have said $50,000 to
$75,000. Indego's makers want to bring the cost below that, said co-inventor
Ryan Farris of Parker Hannifin. Experts say it will take years of research
to prove health benefits before Medicare and private insurance companies
would consider covering the expense.

Paul Tobin, president of the nonprofit advocacy group United Spinal, said
wearable robots present an exciting opportunity but that patients should
keep their expectations realistic.

"It's going to be critical that people have a thorough medical evaluation
before trying something like this, especially if they've been injured for
some time," Tobin said. "It won't be appropriate for everyone. For some
people, it will be a godsend."

 



From Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org  Tue May 14 05:00:55 2013
From: Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org (Penny Stevenson)
Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:55 +1000
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
Message-ID: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>

Hi there all,
I'm an O&M from Melbourne Australia. I'm working with a totally blind guy (tiny bit of light perception) who is currently in a manual wheelchair.
His goal is to get up to his local shops which is certainly attainable however we have a few little access issues to tackle first.
I'm wanting to hear stories / hints / tips / wheelchair config ideas from those of you who aren't relying much on using your remaining vision to get around.
Basically there aren't a lot of people mobilising independently in wheelchairs with low vision (requiring a long cane for example), let alone someone with no vision. We are having trouble convincing the funding authorities that this client is going to be safe. I have been working with him pushing his manual chair whilst he is learning the cane and he is able to detect obstacles and can describe a route. We are only up to week 3 so have a bit further to go in terms of having this student become as independent as he can using a manual chair. We have a bit more work to do on road crossings for example.
Looking forward to hearing your experiences.
>From Penny Stevenson

Penny Stevenson
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Vision Australia
346 Macaulay Rd. (Cnr Stubbs St. - Enter via Stubbs St.)
Kensington, VIC, 3031
Direct line: 03  8378 1183
General: 1300 847 466
Fax: 03 8378 1201

www.visionaustralia.org.au<http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>
ABN: 67 108 391 831
ACN: 108 391 831

______________________________________________________________________
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For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com
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From orleans24 at comcast.net  Wed May 15 05:02:52 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 23:02:52 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
Message-ID: <29E9B3104FAF44BEBB27C9A23B9E0F50@bibi>

Hi, Penny,
Welcome to the group.
I'm Bibi and live in the United States in Denver, Colorado.
I'm totally blind and use an electric wheelchair on the days when the arthritis pain is too much and after having a convulsive grandmal seizure.
I use a white cane while operating my power chair as the joystick is on the left hand arm rest.
My chair is a quantum610, the latest in the Quantum series.
It's a rehab style chair with four coaster wheels: two in front and two in the back.
The drive wheels are in the middle and each wheel has a drive motor.
As for your client, is the place he's going through trying to make it seem like he's not going to be safe?
Is he looking into getting a power chair or does he prefer the manual chair?
I had to go through something similar last year and it took me three months before my power chair was approved and then I got it in August, 2012.
I've been using it for almost a year now and there's still lots for me to learn.
I'm in the process of applying for a wheelchair trained guide dog and may have to wait for one to thre years.
However, I'm not in a hurry.
I have a retired Pilot Dogs guide dog who I had to reinstate into working again, but as a medical alert service dog.
He began to get really depressed after retirement and he also found another calling too.
Although he's not a wheelchair guide, Odie does well for the most part.
He's not forgotten his guide dog training.
Since he's a medical alert service dog now, Odie will alert to an on-coming seizure if he feels I'm going to have one.
He wasn't trained to do that, but he naturally learned on his own.
I have a tie down teather that is attached to the arm rest of my power chair and the leash clasp is attached to his Kong nylon walk harness.
he will let me know if I'm too close to a car and start pulling on my chair, indicating I need to move to the left.
I'm sure others on the list would be able to share more or give ideas too.
Although this is a relatively quiet list, feel free to ask us any questions you may have.
Bibi and son Odie
the happy spirited bounty labrawolf

From Cynthia.Barty at cnib.ca  Wed May 15 16:06:51 2013
From: Cynthia.Barty at cnib.ca (Cynthia Barty)
Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 12:06:51 -0400
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users Blind-rollers
 Digest, Vol 63, Issue 5
In-Reply-To: <mailman.1.1368550833.29038.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
References: <mailman.1.1368550833.29038.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <BC356A4FAC13314BA0944511F9A33DD2011717746E6D@EXVSMB01.org.cnib.ca>

Hello Penny,
I am not a wheelchair user but an O&M in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. I have had some experience with instructing a client with a power chair, but not a manual chair. I have found that with a power chair, it is best to also have either an occupational therapist or physio therapist work with you in providing service to the client. Then they can also back you up on safety aspects with regards to how the person utilizes their chair. There was a program from Misericordia Health Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada which instructed people with vision los, and it was very much a multi-disciplinary approach. I would try to have people from the funding authorities come and observe a route that the client is comfortable with. Also, if you refer them to the program in Winnipeg, seeing is believing that people are capable of operating a wheelchair while navigating. There was also a presentation about this where I co-presented with Corie Haslbeck at RehabNet 2007 called Pathways for Independent Travel- Power Mobility for Persons with Vision Loss, Educating about the Possibilities.
If you have more questions feel free to contact me directly at: cynthia.barty at cnib.ca
Hope this helps!

Cynthia Barty- OMS
-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of blind-rollers-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 1:01 PM
To: blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
Subject: Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 63, Issue 5

Send Blind-rollers mailing list submissions to
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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Today's Topics:

   1. Totally blind power chair users (Penny Stevenson)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:55 +1000
From: Penny Stevenson <Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org>
To: "'blind-rollers at nfbnet.org'" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
Message-ID:
        <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0 at VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi there all,
I'm an O&M from Melbourne Australia. I'm working with a totally blind guy (tiny bit of light perception) who is currently in a manual wheelchair.
His goal is to get up to his local shops which is certainly attainable however we have a few little access issues to tackle first.
I'm wanting to hear stories / hints / tips / wheelchair config ideas from those of you who aren't relying much on using your remaining vision to get around.
Basically there aren't a lot of people mobilising independently in wheelchairs with low vision (requiring a long cane for example), let alone someone with no vision. We are having trouble convincing the funding authorities that this client is going to be safe. I have been working with him pushing his manual chair whilst he is learning the cane and he is able to detect obstacles and can describe a route. We are only up to week 3 so have a bit further to go in terms of having this student become as independent as he can using a manual chair. We have a bit more work to do on road crossings for example.
Looking forward to hearing your experiences.
>From Penny Stevenson

Penny Stevenson
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Vision Australia
346 Macaulay Rd. (Cnr Stubbs St. - Enter via Stubbs St.)
Kensington, VIC, 3031
Direct line: 03  8378 1183
General: 1300 847 466
Fax: 03 8378 1201

www.visionaustralia.org.au<http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>
ABN: 67 108 391 831
ACN: 108 391 831

______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com
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End of Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 63, Issue 5
********************************************

May is Vision Health Month, and CNIB and Doctors of Optometry Canada are asking you to do one simple thing to protect yourself from vision loss: Book an eye exam with your Doctor of Optometry today. For more information, visit eyesareforlife.ca.

CNIB: Seeing beyond vision loss. Visit www.cnib.ca

Mai est le Mois de la sant? visuelle. INCA et les Docteurs en optom?trie Canada vous invite donc ? faire un geste tout simple qui pourrait vous sauver la vue : prendre d?s aujourd?hui rendez-vous avec un docteur en optom?trie pour subir un examen oculaire. Pour en savoir plus ? ce sujet, visitez desyeuxpourlavie.ca

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From treva at olivero.us  Sun May 19 05:49:00 2013
From: treva at olivero.us (Treva Olivero)
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 00:49:00 -0500
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
In-Reply-To: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
Message-ID: <CABcw=H7Kk0tZLDhz0TvLg3sdfhW2GbDAV7f-Jpt8S_K3-CjGKg@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Penny,
I am a blind power chair user. I have light perception, but I learned
how to use the power chair under sleep shades at the Louisiana Center
for the Blind. I recommend this type of training for anyone who is
learning how to use a long cane and a power chair. I still use my
manual chair, but I'm more successful with my power chair. I make sure
my cane is long enough. I use a 61 inch cane.

Before I received formal training, when I first started looking into
using the power chair with the cane, I went to a company, and they let
me try one of their power chairs. They videotaped me using the chair
indoors with my cane to help justify that a blind person can use a
cane and a power chair successfully. I also had a very good advocate
help to talk to the agency about paying for my power chair. I needed
the chair in order to complete my cane training under sleep shades.
There was a PT who evaluated me using the chair. The PT had positive
attitudes about blind people using power chairs. It's important for
agencies to know that although there aren't too many blind power chair
users, we can be successful.

I recommend starting to use the chair on the slowest speed. That is
what helped me to get used to it. Also, I recommend the person work on
both indoor and outdoor travel.

Often inside, I'll slow my chair to the lowest speed. Sometimes, I
will stop the chair and extend mmy cane all around me to get a feel of
what objects/furniture are in the room around me so that I can avoid
them. Indoor travel is difficult with other blind people because their
canes and feet get under my chair before I can stop it, but I've even
learned how to deal with that aspect. Often, I will stop and let other
people go around me and wait until the area is clear before
continuing. . Usually, when I get to an unfamiliar doorway, I stop and
use my cane to make sure it will be wide enough for my chair and line
the chair up to get inside. Then, there are times, like the NFB
National Conventions where I choose not to take the power chair for
the safety of those around me. :)

Outdoor travel is where my power chair has helped me the most. It
enables me to cross streets more quickly, navigate rough driveways and
sidewalks, and travel up and down hills more safely. I have gotten
stuck outside several times, but I don't let it bother me. One thing
that I have done is figure out how to get myself out during some of
these times. Sometimes, rocking back and forth while pushing the
joystick or pulling it to back up will help. Also, sometimes, I turn
the chair off and back on again, set the chair to the highest speed
and push the joystick to help get out of places where I am stuck.
Other times, I just have people help me. It's important for your
client to know how to set the chair in manual mode so that if he is
stuck, he can describe to others how to put the chair in manual mode
and have them get him out. I haven't had to do the following, but I do
have the local police department nonemergency number programmed into
my cell phone if I ever can't get someone to help. Getting stuck only
usually happens when I go too fast and I'm not paying attention. The
benefits of the power chair far outweigh any of this. It's really all
about having good problem solving skills.

The travel skills that I use are the same ones that serve people
walking with canes. I just have to make the arc long enough to cover
beyond each side of my chair. Therefore, the cane is longer.

Those are the tips that I can think of for now, but I'll post more if
I think of them. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about my
power chair and cane use or the training that I received from the
Louisiana Center for the Blind. The key is that blindness is not a
reason for someone to be told that they can't use a power chair.

Warmest Regards,

Treva

On 5/14/13, Penny Stevenson <Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org> wrote:
> Hi there all,
> I'm an O&M from Melbourne Australia. I'm working with a totally blind guy
> (tiny bit of light perception) who is currently in a manual wheelchair.
> His goal is to get up to his local shops which is certainly attainable
> however we have a few little access issues to tackle first.
> I'm wanting to hear stories / hints / tips / wheelchair config ideas from
> those of you who aren't relying much on using your remaining vision to get
> around.
> Basically there aren't a lot of people mobilising independently in
> wheelchairs with low vision (requiring a long cane for example), let alone
> someone with no vision. We are having trouble convincing the funding
> authorities that this client is going to be safe. I have been working with
> him pushing his manual chair whilst he is learning the cane and he is able
> to detect obstacles and can describe a route. We are only up to week 3 so
> have a bit further to go in terms of having this student become as
> independent as he can using a manual chair. We have a bit more work to do on
> road crossings for example.
> Looking forward to hearing your experiences.
> From Penny Stevenson
>
> Penny Stevenson
> Orientation and Mobility Specialist
> Vision Australia
> 346 Macaulay Rd. (Cnr Stubbs St. - Enter via Stubbs St.)
> Kensington, VIC, 3031
> Direct line: 03  8378 1183
> General: 1300 847 466
> Fax: 03 8378 1201
>
> www.visionaustralia.org.au<http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>
> ABN: 67 108 391 831
> ACN: 108 391 831
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
> For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com
> ______________________________________________________________________
> _______________________________________________
> Blind-rollers mailing list
> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Blind-rollers:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blind-rollers_nfbnet.org/treva%40olivero.us
>



From Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org  Sun May 19 21:45:27 2013
From: Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org (Penny Stevenson)
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 07:45:27 +1000
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
In-Reply-To: <CABcw=H7Kk0tZLDhz0TvLg3sdfhW2GbDAV7f-Jpt8S_K3-CjGKg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
	<CABcw=H7Kk0tZLDhz0TvLg3sdfhW2GbDAV7f-Jpt8S_K3-CjGKg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AF3D15D@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>

Hi everyone,
I would just like to thank everyone who has responded to my query regarding this client. I hope to continue to document his progress with the aim of presenting at a few conferences around the traps to inspire other O&M's that this kind of travel is possible. I just look at this young man and see such potential.
Please keep your responses flowing and I'll try and update you all as to his progress if that's alright by all of you.
Thanks.
From Penny

Vision Australia relies on the support of more than 4,200 volunteers who help us make a difference in the lives of thousands of Australians living with blindness or low vision.
That?s why we are so proud to celebrate their huge contribution during National Volunteer Week in May.
To find out more, or to volunteer for us visit http://www.visionaustralia.org/fundraising-and-volunteering/volunteer.

ABN: 67 108 391 831 ACN: 108 391 831

Vision Australia is a partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.

This email (including its attachments) is confidential and may contain legally privileged material or personal information. If you are not a named addressee you must not use, disclose, copy, disseminate or print the email or any information in it. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately and delete the email and any copies.

Vision Australia is not responsible for any changes made to a document other than those made by Vision Australia or for the effect of the changes to the document's meaning. Vision Australia accepts no liability for any damage caused by this email or its attachments due to viruses, interference, interception, corruption or unauthorised access.

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From JEngebretsen at KPBSD.k12.ak.us  Mon May 20 18:06:59 2013
From: JEngebretsen at KPBSD.k12.ak.us (Jordana Engebretsen)
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 18:06:59 +0000
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
In-Reply-To: <CABcw=H7Kk0tZLDhz0TvLg3sdfhW2GbDAV7f-Jpt8S_K3-CjGKg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
	<CABcw=H7Kk0tZLDhz0TvLg3sdfhW2GbDAV7f-Jpt8S_K3-CjGKg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <6F023B89F5DDF44FABF2C7DCDA709A562B4CB88C@99EXCH-MBX02.KPBSD.k12.ak.us>

I just recently got a power chair.  I have been a little scare to use it totally independent!  I am totally blind and have a weak right side of my body.  I do not want to lose my independence that I have now with a walker.  Thanks for the comments regarding power chair users.  I am excited to try to use my power chair more!.  
Thanks again, 
Jordana 

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Treva Olivero
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 9:49 PM
To: Blind wheelchair users list
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users

Hi Penny,
I am a blind power chair user. I have light perception, but I learned how to use the power chair under sleep shades at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. I recommend this type of training for anyone who is learning how to use a long cane and a power chair. I still use my manual chair, but I'm more successful with my power chair. I make sure my cane is long enough. I use a 61 inch cane.

Before I received formal training, when I first started looking into using the power chair with the cane, I went to a company, and they let me try one of their power chairs. They videotaped me using the chair indoors with my cane to help justify that a blind person can use a cane and a power chair successfully. I also had a very good advocate help to talk to the agency about paying for my power chair. I needed the chair in order to complete my cane training under sleep shades.
There was a PT who evaluated me using the chair. The PT had positive attitudes about blind people using power chairs. It's important for agencies to know that although there aren't too many blind power chair users, we can be successful.

I recommend starting to use the chair on the slowest speed. That is what helped me to get used to it. Also, I recommend the person work on both indoor and outdoor travel.

Often inside, I'll slow my chair to the lowest speed. Sometimes, I will stop the chair and extend mmy cane all around me to get a feel of what objects/furniture are in the room around me so that I can avoid them. Indoor travel is difficult with other blind people because their canes and feet get under my chair before I can stop it, but I've even learned how to deal with that aspect. Often, I will stop and let other people go around me and wait until the area is clear before continuing. . Usually, when I get to an unfamiliar doorway, I stop and use my cane to make sure it will be wide enough for my chair and line the chair up to get inside. Then, there are times, like the NFB National Conventions where I choose not to take the power chair for the safety of those around me. :)

Outdoor travel is where my power chair has helped me the most. It enables me to cross streets more quickly, navigate rough driveways and sidewalks, and travel up and down hills more safely. I have gotten stuck outside several times, but I don't let it bother me. One thing that I have done is figure out how to get myself out during some of these times. Sometimes, rocking back and forth while pushing the joystick or pulling it to back up will help. Also, sometimes, I turn the chair off and back on again, set the chair to the highest speed and push the joystick to help get out of places where I am stuck.
Other times, I just have people help me. It's important for your client to know how to set the chair in manual mode so that if he is stuck, he can describe to others how to put the chair in manual mode and have them get him out. I haven't had to do the following, but I do have the local police department nonemergency number programmed into my cell phone if I ever can't get someone to help. Getting stuck only usually happens when I go too fast and I'm not paying attention. The benefits of the power chair far outweigh any of this. It's really all about having good problem solving skills.

The travel skills that I use are the same ones that serve people walking with canes. I just have to make the arc long enough to cover beyond each side of my chair. Therefore, the cane is longer.

Those are the tips that I can think of for now, but I'll post more if I think of them. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about my power chair and cane use or the training that I received from the Louisiana Center for the Blind. The key is that blindness is not a reason for someone to be told that they can't use a power chair.

Warmest Regards,

Treva

On 5/14/13, Penny Stevenson <Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org> wrote:
> Hi there all,
> I'm an O&M from Melbourne Australia. I'm working with a totally blind 
> guy (tiny bit of light perception) who is currently in a manual wheelchair.
> His goal is to get up to his local shops which is certainly attainable 
> however we have a few little access issues to tackle first.
> I'm wanting to hear stories / hints / tips / wheelchair config ideas 
> from those of you who aren't relying much on using your remaining 
> vision to get around.
> Basically there aren't a lot of people mobilising independently in 
> wheelchairs with low vision (requiring a long cane for example), let 
> alone someone with no vision. We are having trouble convincing the 
> funding authorities that this client is going to be safe. I have been 
> working with him pushing his manual chair whilst he is learning the 
> cane and he is able to detect obstacles and can describe a route. We 
> are only up to week 3 so have a bit further to go in terms of having 
> this student become as independent as he can using a manual chair. We 
> have a bit more work to do on road crossings for example.
> Looking forward to hearing your experiences.
> From Penny Stevenson
>
> Penny Stevenson
> Orientation and Mobility Specialist
> Vision Australia
> 346 Macaulay Rd. (Cnr Stubbs St. - Enter via Stubbs St.) Kensington, 
> VIC, 3031 Direct line: 03  8378 1183
> General: 1300 847 466
> Fax: 03 8378 1201
>
> www.visionaustralia.org.au<http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>
> ABN: 67 108 391 831
> ACN: 108 391 831
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
> For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com 
> ______________________________________________________________________
> _______________________________________________
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Blind-rollers:
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> vero.us
>

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From kethompson1964 at gmail.com  Tue May 21 03:43:31 2013
From: kethompson1964 at gmail.com (Kerry Thompson)
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 23:43:31 -0400
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 63, Issue 8
In-Reply-To: <mailman.128.1369069255.21369.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
References: <mailman.128.1369069255.21369.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <519AED63.7010800@gmail.com>

Penny, please do let us know how your client gets on. I for one am very 
interested.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kerry Thompson. I live in the 
northeastern United States. I am legally blind (partially sighted) and 
most of the time use a walking frame (I think Brits call it a zimmer?), 
only using a manual chair occasionally. So, I had nothing to  contribute 
to he discussion. But still I followed it with great interest.

Kerry



From Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org  Tue May 21 04:01:50 2013
From: Penny.Stevenson at visionaustralia.org (Penny Stevenson)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:01:50 +1000
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 63, Issue 8
In-Reply-To: <519AED63.7010800@gmail.com>
References: <mailman.128.1369069255.21369.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
	<519AED63.7010800@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284B0E912D@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>

Hi Kerry,
Thanks for your response. I had to smile when you used the term British... as despite our colonial heritage and Commonwealth membership I don't associate as being connected with Britain at all! I do however understand both terms Zimmer (which I always thought was American) and a walking frame. I find that most of my clients are now being issued with wheeled walking frames (with brakes and seats). I don't think I have worked with a client yet who has a non-wheeled walking frame although in much of the literature to do with vision impairment many of the authors say that the non-wheeled variety is preferred. I haven't seen any of my clients having difficulty once you provide a bit of training.
We routinely make up signs for the frame alerting people to the fact the user has low vision e.g., 'I have low vision'. We also mark up the legs with white tape if the person would like it. When I was in New Zealand we had the white reflective tape like on the canes that we would use and that was fantastic as that also has reflective properties.
I will certainly keep you up to date with my young man's progress.
Thanks for your email.
From Penny

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kerry Thompson
Sent: Tuesday, 21 May 2013 1:44 PM
To: blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 63, Issue 8

Penny, please do let us know how your client gets on. I for one am very interested.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kerry Thompson. I live in the northeastern United States. I am legally blind (partially sighted) and most of the time use a walking frame (I think Brits call it a zimmer?), only using a manual chair occasionally. So, I had nothing to  contribute to he discussion. But still I followed it with great interest.

Kerry

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Vision Australia relies on the support of more than 4,200 volunteers who help us make a difference in the lives of thousands of Australians living with blindness or low vision.
That?s why we are so proud to celebrate their huge contribution during National Volunteer Week in May.
To find out more, or to volunteer for us visit http://www.visionaustralia.org/fundraising-and-volunteering/volunteer.

ABN: 67 108 391 831 ACN: 108 391 831

Vision Australia is a partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.

This email (including its attachments) is confidential and may contain legally privileged material or personal information. If you are not a named addressee you must not use, disclose, copy, disseminate or print the email or any information in it. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately and delete the email and any copies.

Vision Australia is not responsible for any changes made to a document other than those made by Vision Australia or for the effect of the changes to the document's meaning. Vision Australia accepts no liability for any damage caused by this email or its attachments due to viruses, interference, interception, corruption or unauthorised access.

______________________________________________________________________
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From orleans24 at comcast.net  Tue May 21 07:52:32 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 01:52:32 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Tuesday wheelchair meeting
Message-ID: <C0C7596C14CC477ABC99759351E5D51B@bibi>

Hi, all,
I will be attending the Tuesday wheelchair meeting tomorrow at the Landis or Atlantis Community Center not just to represent blind wheelchair users, but all others that have vision.
My hopes are that I'll learn a lot from the meeting upon expressing my concerns on how power wheelchairs could be better adaptive for all to where they won't tip over as easily.
There are some out there that do easily tip over.
A friend and neighbor that I know on the third floor has a small Jazzy powerchair that easily tips over as the drive wheels are in the front and the two coaster wheels are in the back.
She informed me that her chair actually tipped over sideways on her while she was using it.
Thankfully, she didn't get severely injured, but it took a couple of people to help get her and the chair back up on all fours.
The suggestion I plan on making is that if a power chair is to have only two drive wheels and two small coaster wheels, the drive wheels should be in the back and the smaller wheels up front.
Although her chair has tip wheels, it wasn't enough to stop her from flipping over sideways.
When I asked her how fast she was going, my neighbor told me she wasn't going that fast for it to happen.
Another suggestion I will bring to the table is that the power chairs should have some reflective tape for night time as if they did, motorists would be able to see the chair directly.
As for the color of the reflective tape, I will suggest bright yellow or orange.
I can't guarentee that they will go through.
I'd love to see the size of the motor/battery compartment dosnsized some as I've seen some large, bluky motors on power chairs that are very wide.
For instance on my Quantum610, there's two batteries along with two drive wheel motors.
I've found sometimes, that can be a hassle of the compartment being wide, especially when having to go through narrow places or tight spots.
I will let everyone know how it all goes later on today or tomorrow.
Sincerely:
Bibi and son Odie

From orleans24 at comcast.net  Tue May 21 09:21:59 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 03:21:59 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org><CABcw=H7Kk0tZLDhz0TvLg3sdfhW2GbDAV7f-Jpt8S_K3-CjGKg@mail.gmail.com>
	<6F023B89F5DDF44FABF2C7DCDA709A562B4CB88C@99EXCH-MBX02.KPBSD.k12.ak.us>
Message-ID: <BC3C83A01E76417281154F9465775E0E@bibi>

hi, Jordana,
I can understand the feeling of being a little hesitant.
Ifelt the same way in the beginning, but the more I practiced operating my power chair and using my white cane, I felt encouraged to do it more.
Yes, I've had my power chair go completely off the sidewalks many time and I just keep calm so I can safely get to a curb cut or ramp close by and get out of the street quickly.
I'll be honest that I've heard plenty of sighted individuals panic when it's happened, but I have to reassure them that I'm fine and things like this are going to happen.
The more you practice, you'll come a long ways and build up the courage.
Sincerely:
Bibi and son Odie

From orleans24 at comcast.net  Tue May 21 09:46:33 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 03:46:33 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 63, Issue 8
References: <mailman.128.1369069255.21369.blind-rollers_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org><519AED63.7010800@gmail.com>
	<240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284B0E912D@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
Message-ID: <2E90CC799B1C4167BFEAE954B940C25E@bibi>

Hi, Penny,
I also have a walk frame with a chair on it, wheels and brakes.
I'm used to hearing the word walker and it's actually the first time I've heard walking frame.
I actually have to get mine in for fixing as one of the brakes is completely jammed.
I, too, am interested on hearing more about your client's progress.
Sincerely:
Bibi and son Odie

From djpaul4 at cox.net  Tue May 21 11:23:18 2013
From: djpaul4 at cox.net (David Paul)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 04:23:18 -0700
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Tuesday wheelchair meeting
In-Reply-To: <C0C7596C14CC477ABC99759351E5D51B@bibi>
References: <C0C7596C14CC477ABC99759351E5D51B@bibi>
Message-ID: <000001ce5615$98899b20$c99cd160$@cox.net>

Hi, I am also a blind power chair user and I find that the best arrangement
for the place of the drive wheels is to have them in the middle on each
side.  My power chair has three wheels on each side and the drive wheel is
in the middle on each side.  This allows the outer wheels to serve as guides
and stabilizers.  My power chair also has independent suspension for each of
the wheels.  This helps a great amount in terms of allowing you to get
through areas that are not flat pavement areas without getting stuck.  I can
drive along and allow one side of my wheelchair to go through a pretty deep
pothole and the suspension just absorbs up the whole thing and you just keep
going without any hang-ups.  

Another thing I have encountered on certain power chairs is that they might
have very small wheels for their four wheels on the corner points.  This is
a terrible design.  With a chair like that, the smallest bump can form an
impassible object.  You should pay attention to the size of your wheels and
make that they are not so small that they will wind up causing you troubles
down the line.  

Not that you asked for my input, but these are just a few things that really
helped me figure out what will work for me.  

Cheers, 
David

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 12:53 AM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Tuesday wheelchair meeting

Hi, all,
I will be attending the Tuesday wheelchair meeting tomorrow at the Landis or
Atlantis Community Center not just to represent blind wheelchair users, but
all others that have vision.
My hopes are that I'll learn a lot from the meeting upon expressing my
concerns on how power wheelchairs could be better adaptive for all to where
they won't tip over as easily.
There are some out there that do easily tip over.
A friend and neighbor that I know on the third floor has a small Jazzy
powerchair that easily tips over as the drive wheels are in the front and
the two coaster wheels are in the back.
She informed me that her chair actually tipped over sideways on her while
she was using it.
Thankfully, she didn't get severely injured, but it took a couple of people
to help get her and the chair back up on all fours.
The suggestion I plan on making is that if a power chair is to have only two
drive wheels and two small coaster wheels, the drive wheels should be in the
back and the smaller wheels up front.
Although her chair has tip wheels, it wasn't enough to stop her from
flipping over sideways.
When I asked her how fast she was going, my neighbor told me she wasn't
going that fast for it to happen.
Another suggestion I will bring to the table is that the power chairs should
have some reflective tape for night time as if they did, motorists would be
able to see the chair directly.
As for the color of the reflective tape, I will suggest bright yellow or
orange.
I can't guarentee that they will go through.
I'd love to see the size of the motor/battery compartment dosnsized some as
I've seen some large, bluky motors on power chairs that are very wide.
For instance on my Quantum610, there's two batteries along with two drive
wheel motors.
I've found sometimes, that can be a hassle of the compartment being wide,
especially when having to go through narrow places or tight spots.
I will let everyone know how it all goes later on today or tomorrow.
Sincerely:
Bibi and son Odie
_______________________________________________
Blind-rollers mailing list
Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Blind-rollers:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blind-rollers_nfbnet.org/djpaul4%40cox.net




From djpaul4 at cox.net  Tue May 21 12:14:33 2013
From: djpaul4 at cox.net (David Paul)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 05:14:33 -0700
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
In-Reply-To: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
Message-ID: <000101ce561c$c100a100$4301e300$@cox.net>

Hi Penny, 

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to you.  I am a totally blind power
chair user living in Phoenix Arizona in the US.  

I can fully relate to the difficulty of getting around in unfamiliar areas
in a manual chair while using a guide cane.  You just do not have enough
hands to use the wheels and sweep the guide cane all at the same time, so it
just takes an incredible amount of time to get anywhere along your route.  

Once I began using a power wheelchair it was like night and day.  The
ability of moving yourself around with only one hand leaving the other hand
free to use the guide cane was an incredible change in the positive
direction.  

I have tried a number of power chairs before finding the one I finally
decided was right for me.  Some of the other chairs I tried out had negative
things you should look out for.  One such thing is the size of the wheels on
the corner points.  The power chairs I have used have three wheels on each
side where the drive wheel is in the middle and the wheels on the outside
are used for stability and steering.  I have used chairs that have such
small wheels for these outside wheels, any little bump would serve as a
total barrier you just could not get over.  

Also, it is very important that the wheelchair has independent suspension
for each of the wheels.  This allows you to easily get over any number of
things which would serve as a total block for a chair without suspension.
In my current chair, I am able to drive through roads or parking lots that
have some pretty good sized potholes and there is never any troubles.  And,
to let me understand the quality of the suspension as I was first trying out
the chair, the designers had me drive through a parking lot allowing one
side of my chair to go over a very high speed bump while the other side
remained on flat ground.  As I did this, the wheels just totally absorbed
the bump and I barely felt anything as I went over it with no troubles at
all.  

Having buttons allowing you to adjust the speed of your chair is also a very
good feature to have on the chair.  Being totally blind, I usually go fairly
slow for reasons of safety.  But, if you get stuck on something, being able
to put your chair in a faster, stronger drive mode really allows you the
capability of getting yourself through some tough situations that would,
otherwise, have served as a total block.  

I have heard other people suggest different arrangements of your drive
wheels and the other wheels on the chair.  But, in my experience, having
three wheels on each side where the middle wheel is the drive wheel and the
outer wheels are there for the purpose of stability and turning makes the
most sense.  I have never found a situation as of yet where this wheelchair
has gotten totally stuck and I have not been able to get myself out.  

I hope these ideas help out and I really have the highest hopes for your
client.  Let him know that, no matter what other people might say, a blind
person using a power chair is more than just possible, if anything, it is
the best solution for many reasons.  

Please keep us all informed as to how things work out and, let me know if
there are any particular questions I might be able to answer.  

Cheers, 
David 

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Penny Stevenson
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 10:01 PM
To: 'blind-rollers at nfbnet.org'
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users

Hi there all,
I'm an O&M from Melbourne Australia. I'm working with a totally blind guy
(tiny bit of light perception) who is currently in a manual wheelchair.
His goal is to get up to his local shops which is certainly attainable
however we have a few little access issues to tackle first.
I'm wanting to hear stories / hints / tips / wheelchair config ideas from
those of you who aren't relying much on using your remaining vision to get
around.
Basically there aren't a lot of people mobilising independently in
wheelchairs with low vision (requiring a long cane for example), let alone
someone with no vision. We are having trouble convincing the funding
authorities that this client is going to be safe. I have been working with
him pushing his manual chair whilst he is learning the cane and he is able
to detect obstacles and can describe a route. We are only up to week 3 so
have a bit further to go in terms of having this student become as
independent as he can using a manual chair. We have a bit more work to do on
road crossings for example.
Looking forward to hearing your experiences.
>From Penny Stevenson

Penny Stevenson
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Vision Australia
346 Macaulay Rd. (Cnr Stubbs St. - Enter via Stubbs St.) Kensington, VIC,
3031 Direct line: 03  8378 1183
General: 1300 847 466
Fax: 03 8378 1201

www.visionaustralia.org.au<http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>
ABN: 67 108 391 831
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From orleans24 at comcast.net  Tue May 21 12:51:14 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 06:51:14 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Tuesday wheelchair meeting
References: <C0C7596C14CC477ABC99759351E5D51B@bibi>
	<000001ce5615$98899b20$c99cd160$@cox.net>
Message-ID: <16059FD4A8C548C6BD981F6F0A438721@bibi>

Hi, David,
You do bring up some good points.
My chair has six wheels on it as well: four coaster wheels and the drive wheels are in the center.
It's a rehab chair, but I am glad that it works the best.
What concerns me more are the other designed power chairs that don't have good stability and the suspension as you've mentioned.
I've encountered pot holes and other sorts of broken ground.
The coaster wheels I have are probably close to the size of tricycle wheels, but all four still have great movement.
I do agree fully that it's good to pay attention to the wheels most of all as safety is the number one important part of being a power chair user.
I do hope to get a lot of good information out of the community meeting today and look for brochures on power chair designs so I can share with the service cordinators in the apartment complex I live in.
Sincerely:
Bibi and son Odie

From orleans24 at comcast.net  Tue May 21 13:03:54 2013
From: orleans24 at comcast.net (Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 07:03:54 -0600
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org>
	<000101ce561c$c100a100$4301e300$@cox.net>
Message-ID: <2708134013A04C93894E9E56E5A5DB7E@bibi>

Hi, David,
I did forget to mention in my last reply that I have a control with four buttons on my chair and a joystick.
I will admit my power chair actually got stuck on a ridge near a set of railroad tracks one time out in the city of Sheridan last year.
I had to get out of it so my husband could get it unstuck.
Another good thing is my chair does have wings that can allow it to be put into manual mode, especially if an emergency situation were to arise.
They came in handy a couple months ago, right around the end of March.
I was in the urgent care clenic getting my left ear treated.
The fire alarm twnet off a couple of times.
Odie, my medical alert service dog whose also a retired guide dog started to panic as he knew if the alarm went off for a third time, I would have a convulsive grandmal seizure.
As I was out in the main corridor getting ready to leave, the fire alarm went off a third time and the grandmal seizure did happen.
Luckily, I was able to get the hurse who was assisting me to help me get out of their quickly.
I gave her the instructions on how to put my chair into manual mode and she was able to push me out fast.
Once I got away from the noise of the fire alarm, the seizure did stop and I safely made it the rest of the way home without further incident.
I, too feel that Penny's client will excel further than what some may say.
Sincerely:
Bibi and son Odie

From JEngebretsen at KPBSD.k12.ak.us  Tue May 21 17:02:19 2013
From: JEngebretsen at KPBSD.k12.ak.us (Jordana Engebretsen)
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 17:02:19 +0000
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users
In-Reply-To: <BC3C83A01E76417281154F9465775E0E@bibi>
References: <240E0CBEFB64614AB97EFCA9F39A5082284AC786D0@VAE2K7CCR.visionaustralia.org><CABcw=H7Kk0tZLDhz0TvLg3sdfhW2GbDAV7f-Jpt8S_K3-CjGKg@mail.gmail.com>
	<6F023B89F5DDF44FABF2C7DCDA709A562B4CB88C@99EXCH-MBX02.KPBSD.k12.ak.us>
	<BC3C83A01E76417281154F9465775E0E@bibi>
Message-ID: <6F023B89F5DDF44FABF2C7DCDA709A562B4CBE57@99EXCH-MBX02.KPBSD.k12.ak.us>

Thanks for your words of encouragement.  I know that, I just need to do it!
Thanks,
Jordana 

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:22 AM
To: Blind wheelchair users list
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Totally blind power chair users

hi, Jordana,
I can understand the feeling of being a little hesitant.
Ifelt the same way in the beginning, but the more I practiced operating my power chair and using my white cane, I felt encouraged to do it more.
Yes, I've had my power chair go completely off the sidewalks many time and I just keep calm so I can safely get to a curb cut or ramp close by and get out of the street quickly.
I'll be honest that I've heard plenty of sighted individuals panic when it's happened, but I have to reassure them that I'm fine and things like this are going to happen.
The more you practice, you'll come a long ways and build up the courage.
Sincerely:
Bibi and son Odie
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