What happens when leaves fall?

Fall is the time when leaves usually give me the biggest of challenges. These leaves that look so colorful on the trees usually give me the most difficult time when they litter the ground, sidewalks, driveways, backyards, and so on.

If they are dry, then I need to use my cane to carve a path on the sidewalk for myself. It is not too difficult for me once I strategize. First, I locate the sidewalk. Next, I determine the physical relationship between leaves and sidewalk. Next, I determine how I want to carve my path. Unlike dealing with snow or rain, it is a matter of determining where I want to put my feet and where I am going to walk.

If the leaves are wet, then here is where the challenge is. Wet leaves stick to my cane and make it difficult for me to use it. Wet leaves are messy and stick to my shoes and I have to find ways to avoid them at all cost.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell others about how falling leaves affect me. Visit www.afb.org to learn how blind persons are taught how to deal with falling leaves.