Re: Aubrie's cane

[Guest guest]

Thanks , I will have to bring this up again at the next

ARD.BTW Amita does that exact same thing, going down the stairs on

her bottom. AND she has this thing about unfamiliar toilets, she

will simply not go and sit unless I am there to hold her. I tell her

the same thing ---At 8yrs its time to let go of mom!!!)

Deepta

>

> Deepta-

>

> You know, I think the biggest support was a story I shared about

Patty using

> her cane. I will give my version of it and hope that Patty or

Bonnie will

> find that I am close enough to accurate. You know how stories

take on new

> details with each retelling!

>

>

>

> As I recall - Patty was introduced to cane use at Helen Keller

National

> Center late in her teen years. She didn't use the cane regularly

though.

> One day, she was off to NYC with her dad. Bonnie told her to take

the cane.

> But Patty didn't want to because she didn't feel the need. Bonnie

finally

> convinced her to tuck it in her purse just in case-with the

assurance that

> she didn't have to use it but at least it would be there. When

Patty

> returned from NYC, she was thrilled with the independence she'd

had with the

> cane. She could walk around the unfamiliar and crowded city

without holding

> onto her dad. She didn't trip on curbs. The crowds moved out of

her way.

> Later when we saw Patty and Bonnie on our visit to Perkins, Aubrie

was able

> to see Patty using her cane.

>

>

>

> We call Patty and Aubrie " twins thirteen years removed " because

their

> diagnoses are very similar. I use her as an example to Aubrie's

IEP team

> all the time. When I have a concrete example of how a person very

similar

> to Aubrie has benefited from something, how can someone argue that

just

> based on theory?

>

>

>

> It's challenging because there are many people out there with

vision in only

> one eye. Many of them drive and do every other " normal " thing.

But our

> kids have more than just one blind eye. Aubrie can't compensate

for her

> vision loss by using her hearing. She can't hear a car approach.

She can't

> tell how far away something is, how fast it is approaching, or

which

> direction a sound comes from. Sure, her hearing is very good in

many ways.

> But distinguishing environmental sounds is another story. Seeing

distances

> and depth is a problem. Take an unsteady gait, poor balance, poor

righting

> reflexes when you stumble and add those to the hearing and vision

issues --

> you get challenging mobility. Could Aubrie do it without the

cane? Yes.

> But she does it a lot better with it. At age 9 (and up), it's

time to let

> go of Mom's hand and go down stairs on your feet instead of your

bottom.

>

>

>

> I'll bet Betsy McGinnity could help with articles to support O&M

for a kid

> like Amita. Maybe just sharing Aubrie and Patty's experiences

will be

> enough.

>

>

>

> Michele W

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On

Behalf Of

> deepta_69

> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:05 AM

> To: CHARGE

> Subject: Re: Aubrie's cane

>

>

>

> ,

> Amita has vision in one eye also.Her functional vision is good but

> she does like to hold hands (almost pulling me or her friend down)

> when walking in unfamiliar places and always holds the rails while

> using the staircase. Her O and M discharged her last year saying

> that her functional vision is good enough to get around school and

> in recess without help. She said that we could revisit the idea of

a

> cane when she is a bit older and has to get around more. I wanted

> her to learn to use a cane but she was insistent about that issue.

> So I signed off on that ARD last year even though I was doubtful.

> Was there anything particular issue that helped your O and M

decide

> on teaching her cane skills?

> Deepta

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Deepta,

Garland has functional vision in both eyes. Due to the fact that it is unsafe

for Garland to go up and down stairs, curbs without assistance they feel there

is a need to continue to improve his abilities in the school setting. Yes,

Garland knows his way around the school but that does not dismiss the O&M. His

ability to get around safely is the key here. He is NOT able to get around

safely! Therefor the O&M is teaching him new,more difficult techniques with the

cane. She is now teaching Garland the touch technique, which I am told is

difficult due to his low muscle tone and loose joints.

He started learning the cane at age 3. He prefers to hold hands for his

assistance, but knows how to use the cane correctly. Yes, he did use the cane

as a weapon. That is why he only uses the cane with the O&M or at home.

Remember you want your child to be independent! That will mean no holding hands

or instructions from you to navigate in this world.

Good luck with this.

, Randy & Garland (5.5 yrs) Goodwin

---- deepta_69 deepta_69@...> wrote:

=============

,

Amita has vision in one eye also.Her functional vision is good but

she does like to hold hands (almost pulling me or her friend down)

when walking in unfamiliar places and always holds the rails while

using the staircase. Her O and M discharged her last year saying

that her functional vision is good enough to get around school and

in recess without help. She said that we could revisit the idea of a

cane when she is a bit older and has to get around more. I wanted

her to learn to use a cane but she was insistent about that issue.

So I signed off on that ARD last year even though I was doubtful.

Was there anything particular issue that helped your O and M decide

on teaching her cane skills?

Deepta

>

> Did I tell you guys that Aubrie is now using her long white cane?

I knew

> she was getting instruction through the school year, but I had no

idea how

> far she'd come! The O&M instructor called at the end of the year

to say

> that she should use it over the summer in unfamiliar

surroundings. We've

> only had it about a week and have used it in familiar and new

places. What

> I have seen is that it increases her independence and confidence.

>

>

>

> We just naturally hold hands when we're out. It helps me to know

she's

> right there. I watch for any obstacles she may not see and let

her know

> about them - and since she's right with me, I know that she's

approaching

> the same things I am. With the cane, she doesn't hold my hand,

walks on her

> own confidently, and neither of us worries that she'll miss

anything or

> stumble.

>

>

>

> I've also noticed another benefit. When we go somewhere, she has

the need

> to touch everything - and I mean everything. It's aggravating in

a store

> cuz it slows her down, things fall off the shelves, I worry about

breaking

> fragile things, etc. With the cane, she is occupied and doesn't

need to

> touch everything along the way.

>

>

>

> The funny thing is that people who know her are surprised to see

her with

> it. Many people don't realize that she can't see out of one eye

or how poor

> her hearing can be. Besides her hearing and vision, there are the

balance

> issues. The cane is as much for other people to watch out for her

as it is

> to help her watch out for them. She likes to tell the story of

Patty

> looking straight at people who stare at her when using the cane

and saying,

> " What? Haven't you ever seen a blind person before? "

>

>

>

> We're working on cane etiquette. I don't know anything about it -

but I'm

> sure that carrying it in a way that may poke someone or cause

someone to

> trip must be a bad thing. :-) She is oblivious to the way the

seas part

> when she approaches. I think she needs to develop awareness that

she is not

> such a princess that the world should part and make way for her

highness -

> she needs to watch out for others and pay attention as much as she

is able.

>

>

>

> It's been an interesting and fun week seeing how competent she's

become and

> how much she's learned about cane skills. This is another example

of

> something I'd never have expected her to benefit from had it not

been for

> the experience of Patty and others before us.

>

>

>

> This week she is at camp at the School for the Visually Impaired.

Perfect

> place to learn more about using the cane. We dropped her off

yesterday

> afternoon. She is so excited! Not a bit of anxiety saying

goodbye to us.

> She was concerned that her roommate would not be happy with her

music needs

> at night, but her roommate seemed fine with it. Earlier in the

week, she

> said that she might have to call during the week. I guess

DJ and I

> are chopped liver compared to the big brother. I wish I could be

a fly on

> the wall to see how she's doing.

>

>

>

> I got to take a nap this afternoon, clean up the living room and

know it

> will stay clean, and watch an R-rated movie before her bedtime!

It's quiet

> - but rather than miss her, I am trying to enjoy all the benefits

of having

> this time to myself. And I look forward to hearing all about her

week when

> she comes home.

>

>

>

> Th-th-th-that's all folks! Thanks for listening :-)

>

>

>

> Michele W

> Aubrie's mom 9 yrs

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

and Deepta-

This made me think of something else. Our O&M takes Aubrie into the

community or around the school neighborhood for O&M practice. In a familiar

setting, she does ok and doesn't appear to need support. But get her into a

new place and that's where her difficulties show up. Since she's a little

kid who doesn't go to unfamiliar places without an adult, she doesn't find

herself in tricky situations. But we are building her skills so that she

can be independent when the time comes to go to new places without someone

to help.

Michele W

_____

From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

& Randy

Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 3:21 PM

To: CHARGE

Cc: deepta_69

Subject: Re: Re: Aubrie's cane

Deepta,

Garland has functional vision in both eyes. Due to the fact that it is

unsafe for Garland to go up and down stairs, curbs without assistance they

feel there is a need to continue to improve his abilities in the school

setting. Yes, Garland knows his way around the school but that does not

dismiss the O&M. His ability to get around safely is the key here. He is NOT

able to get around safely! Therefor the O&M is teaching him new,more

difficult techniques with the cane. She is now teaching Garland the touch

technique, which I am told is difficult due to his low muscle tone and loose

joints.

He started learning the cane at age 3. He prefers to hold hands for his

assistance, but knows how to use the cane correctly. Yes, he did use the

cane as a weapon. That is why he only uses the cane with the O&M or at home.

Remember you want your child to be independent! That will mean no holding

hands or instructions from you to navigate in this world.

Good luck with this.

, Randy & Garland (5.5 yrs) Goodwin

[Guest guest]

deepta i go down stairs on my bum ehre and at grandmas others i will walk

down donno y that is

>

> Deepta,

>

> MacKenzie has developed a somewhat irrational fear of the automatic

> flushing toilets in her school. It's gotten so bad that she goes to the

> teachers bathroom.

>

> Jeanie

>

>

[Guest guest]

i don't blame mackenzie - those things creep me out too...

and no for the lets all make cole feel stupid moment... what's O&M?

Cole

>

> Deepta,

>

> MacKenzie has developed a somewhat irrational fear of the automatic

> flushing toilets in her school. It's gotten so bad that she goes to the

> teachers bathroom.

>

> Jeanie

>

>

[Guest guest]

cole in aus think we call them something like a visual trainer or something

they r people who train u with the things ehre they r guide dogs trainers to

we call them same thing i think OH now im confuising my self

>

> i don't blame mackenzie - those things creep me out too...

>

> and no for the lets all make cole feel stupid moment... what's O&M?

> Cole

>

> On 6/19/07, Jeanie jeaniecolp@... >

> wrote:

> >

> > Deepta,

> >

> > MacKenzie has developed a somewhat irrational fear of the automatic

> > flushing toilets in her school. It's gotten so bad that she goes to the

> > teachers bathroom.

> >

> > Jeanie

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Cole,

O&M is short for Orientation and Mobility.

Jeanie

[Guest guest]

Michele I bet your missing her like crazy!

It's the first time I have read up on someone using a cane, reading between

the lines

it is obviously helping Aubrie lots, which is a good thing.

hugs Les x

>

> Did I tell you guys that Aubrie is now using her long white cane? I knew

> she was getting instruction through the school year, but I had no idea how

> far she'd come! The O&M instructor called at the end of the year to say

> that she should use it over the summer in unfamiliar surroundings. We've

> only had it about a week and have used it in familiar and new places. What

> I have seen is that it increases her independence and confidence.

>

> We just naturally hold hands when we're out. It helps me to know she's

> right there. I watch for any obstacles she may not see and let her know

> about them - and since she's right with me, I know that she's approaching

> the same things I am. With the cane, she doesn't hold my hand, walks on

> her

> own confidently, and neither of us worries that she'll miss anything or

> stumble.

>

> I've also noticed another benefit. When we go somewhere, she has the need

> to touch everything - and I mean everything. It's aggravating in a store

> cuz it slows her down, things fall off the shelves, I worry about breaking

> fragile things, etc. With the cane, she is occupied and doesn't need to

> touch everything along the way.

>

> The funny thing is that people who know her are surprised to see her with

> it. Many people don't realize that she can't see out of one eye or how

> poor

> her hearing can be. Besides her hearing and vision, there are the balance

> issues. The cane is as much for other people to watch out for her as it is

> to help her watch out for them. She likes to tell the story of Patty

> looking straight at people who stare at her when using the cane and

> saying,

> " What? Haven't you ever seen a blind person before? "

>

> We're working on cane etiquette. I don't know anything about it - but I'm

> sure that carrying it in a way that may poke someone or cause someone to

> trip must be a bad thing. :-) She is oblivious to the way the seas part

> when she approaches. I think she needs to develop awareness that she is

> not

> such a princess that the world should part and make way for her highness -

> she needs to watch out for others and pay attention as much as she is

> able.

>

> It's been an interesting and fun week seeing how competent she's become

> and

> how much she's learned about cane skills. This is another example of

> something I'd never have expected her to benefit from had it not been for

> the experience of Patty and others before us.

>

> This week she is at camp at the School for the Visually Impaired. Perfect

> place to learn more about using the cane. We dropped her off yesterday

> afternoon. She is so excited! Not a bit of anxiety saying goodbye to us.

> She was concerned that her roommate would not be happy with her music

> needs

> at night, but her roommate seemed fine with it. Earlier in the week, she

> said that she might have to call during the week. I guess DJ and I

> are chopped liver compared to the big brother. I wish I could be a fly on

> the wall to see how she's doing.

>

> I got to take a nap this afternoon, clean up the living room and know it

> will stay clean, and watch an R-rated movie before her bedtime! It's quiet

> - but rather than miss her, I am trying to enjoy all the benefits of

> having

> this time to myself. And I look forward to hearing all about her week when

> she comes home.

>

> Th-th-th-that's all folks! Thanks for listening :-)

>

> Michele W

> Aubrie's mom 9 yrs

>

>

[Guest guest]

Les-

Sort of missing her and sort of relishing the quiet. I am realizing how

much she wears me out. At bedtime, I'm not exhausted. I'm doing all the

stuff I usually do - more, actually - except care for her. She's easy in so

many ways and absolutely delightful - but she keeps a person moving. With a

teen who stays up late and a little kid who wants me up early - I'm burning

daylight at both ends. This week, I'm getting 2 hours more sleep each day

just not having to get up when she wakes me. I've also noticed how much I

can get done without the distractions of " Mom, I need. Can I?... Help me. "

So. I'm enjoying the break but I'm be ready for her big smiles, hugs, and

laughter on Saturday!

Michele W

_____

From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

Amelie Chan

Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 8:07 AM

To: CHARGE

Subject: Re: Aubrie's cane

Michele I bet your missing her like crazy!

It's the first time I have read up on someone using a cane, reading between

the lines

it is obviously helping Aubrie lots, which is a good thing.

hugs Les x

[Guest guest]

> Les-

>

> Sort of missing her and sort of relishing the quiet. I am realizing how

> much she wears me out. At bedtime, I'm not exhausted. I'm doing all the

> stuff I usually do - more, actually - except care for her. She's easy in so

> many ways and absolutely delightful - but she keeps a person moving. With a

> teen who stays up late and a little kid who wants me up early - I'm burning

> daylight at both ends. This week, I'm getting 2 hours more sleep each day

> just not having to get up when she wakes me. I've also noticed how much I

> can get done without the distractions of " Mom, I need. Can I?... Help me. "

> So. I'm enjoying the break but I'm be ready for her big smiles, hugs, and

> laughter on Saturday!

>

>

>

> Michele W

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

> Amelie Chan

> Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 8:07 AM

> To: CHARGE

> Subject: Re: Aubrie's cane

>

>

>

> Michele I bet your missing her like crazy!

> It's the first time I have read up on someone using a cane, reading between

> the lines

> it is obviously helping Aubrie lots, which is a good thing.

> hugs Les x

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Michele

We wouldnt have it any other way though would we!!

For every bad day and all the hard work, they are so special! hugs les xx

>

> > Les-

> >

> > Sort of missing her and sort of relishing the quiet. I am realizing how

> > much she wears me out. At bedtime, I'm not exhausted. I'm doing all the

> > stuff I usually do - more, actually - except care for her. She's easy in

> so

> > many ways and absolutely delightful - but she keeps a person moving. With

> a

> > teen who stays up late and a little kid who wants me up early - I'm

> burning

> > daylight at both ends. This week, I'm getting 2 hours more sleep each day

> > just not having to get up when she wakes me. I've also noticed how much I

> > can get done without the distractions of " Mom, I need. Can I?... Help

> me. "

> > So. I'm enjoying the break but I'm be ready for her big smiles, hugs, and

> > laughter on Saturday!

> >

> >

> >

> > Michele W

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

> > Amelie Chan

> > Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 8:07 AM

> > To: CHARGE

> > Subject: Re: Aubrie's cane

> >

> >

> >

> > Michele I bet your missing her like crazy!

> > It's the first time I have read up on someone using a cane, reading

> between

> > the lines

> > it is obviously helping Aubrie lots, which is a good thing.

> > hugs Les x

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Michele, That is great! and i completely understand the " huh is she blind "

thing.

people never get just how blind i am

I hope shes having a great time at camp. I remember my first vision

impaired/blind camp, i didnt want to go when i got there and cried heaps but

then had a good time

Belinda

[Guest guest]

Belinda-

I talked to her briefly tonight. Apparently, not a bit of homesickness -

just non-stop fun!

Michele W

_____

From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

_Belinda _

Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 5:14 PM

To: CHARGE

Subject: Re: Aubrie's cane

Michele, That is great! and i completely understand the " huh is she blind "

thing.

people never get just how blind i am

I hope shes having a great time at camp. I remember my first vision

impaired/blind camp, i didnt want to go when i got there and cried heaps but

then had a good time

Belinda