More About Cane Training

Hi everyone! I thought I'd tell you more about the cane training I had last Tuesday and Thursday. Having a cane is making me feel much more confident in getting around on my own.

First, let me clarify: my cane isn't to help me walk, it's the kind of cane that blind and almost-blind people use to "see" what's on the ground to avoid tripping over things. There are a few different ways I can move the cane when I walk with it. You may have seen a blind person using the "two-point contact" method. That is basically tapping the cane on the left when you step with your right foot, and tapping the cane on the right when you step with your left foot.

Some kinds of cane tips roll, so instead of this method I can use the "constant contact" method, where I roll the cane from side to side as I walk, still keeping it on the right when I step with my left foot and on the left when I step with my right foot.

The other method is less complicated, but I'm only supposed to use it in areas I'm very familiar with and that have few or no obstacles. It's called the "diagonal" method because I hold the top of the cane on my right side and put the bottom of the cane on the ground to the left a little distance in front of my feet.

I also learned the methods for navigating stairs and curbs. Once I get good at those, I won't even have to look down when going up and down stairs!

Like I said in my last post, I got my own cane yesterday! I've been using it pretty much everywhere to get the hang of it. I feel so much more confident getting around on my own now that I don't have to worry about looking down whenever I walk.

Also, I'd like to give a shout-out to my mobility trainer, Sean. Thanks for giving me all this awesome advice and boosting my confidence!

Until next time,

Semper Fidelis