What happens when snow comes?

Ah yes! One of my favourite things! Walking in the snow! I can still remember and visualize those fat snowflakes of all sizes falling gently and silently in front of me as I walked along. When I had enough vision, I loved it all! Watching the snowflakes, admiring the pure white surroundings, and looking at the trees covered in snow. Now that my vision is at a minimum, I have other challenges.

I have to ensure that I can identify sidewalks. I have to make sure that I can still identify landmarks with my cane. I can no longer use my vision to do so. I have to watch for snowbanks, heaps of snow piled haphazardly on sidewalks, and make sure that I am walking a safe line.

When snow falls, the landscape automatically changes for blind persons. We have to use other strategies to get around and if we are dependent on our canes as I am, then we have to ensure that we can use our canes to the maximum. My cane often gets stuck in snowbanks but that’s just part of life. I have to listen more carefully and concentrate more intently.

I do not like wearing a hat because it prevents me from hearing things; my hearing needs to be more acute than normal. I listen for footsteps to ensure that I am walking on a safe path and I use my cane to check for edges of sidewalks. When snow falls and depending on how heavy it has fallen, the edges of sidewalks may or may not be identifiable. I need to use my cane to help me out here. I wear my glasses so that the falling snow stays out of my eyes despite the fact that I can no longer see my beloved snowflakes.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and tell others about my blogs. Visit www.acb.org to learn more.