The blind leading the blind?

This is what happened a few months ago when I met my friend Diane at the Southway Hotel in Ottawa for dinner followed by a swim in the lovely warm water of the hotel's swimming pool and then a soak in their hot tub.

There she was, Diane with no vision and me with not much more. Diane was the superb navigator as she and I entered the pool area. We used our canes to bang on the floor to let each other know where we were. Diane had had previous experiences with the pool area so she was quite familiar with the layout before we met. Nevertheless, we sure had fun.

We used our canes to help us find the wall, stairs, and chairs. Then we placed our slippers next to the chairs as a marker to where our clothes were. Funny, but at no time was I ever afraid of falling into the pool or hot tub. Diane was a marvellous guide and great sport on that day.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

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Dogs and canes

In the mainstream sighted world, it is never a good thing to assume the following: That all blind persons use guide dogs. That all blind persons use canes. That all blind persons are unable to travel on their own.

Some of us use guide dogs because it suits us to use them while others like me prefer the use of a cane. I use a cane because I feel more comfortable with one. I admire any blind person who is able to use a guide dog. It is hard work but extremely rewarding when dog and master can develop that special relationship. One cannot pat a cane or talk to them whenever they feel the need to or have to but the use of a cane may still be the preferred method over a dog.

There is so much for us to learn when it comes to understanding how dog and master work together as a cohesive team. I have several friends who are guide dog users and they never tire of teaching me new things about their special relationship with their four legged friends.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and learn more about how guide dogs help to make a difference in the lives of blind and sight impaired persons. Visit www.afb.org to learn more.

Terror at Security Checkpoints

With more and more security checks being implemented at airports across North America and indeed at major airports around the world, it is becoming scarier for those of us who are blind and visually impaired.

I ran into a very scary episode recently at Toronto's major airport, Pearson International. When I got to the security checkpoint, I placed my carry-on bag along with my cane and jacket into the plastic box as instructed, but the fun started after I walked through the tiny tunnel. A better way to describe it is "the tiny enclosure that one has to go through before a security agent pats you down."

Without any warning, I was told that my bag had to be searched because they found chemicals on it. In addition, I had to be given an entire body search. Nothing too out of the ordinary with all of this except for the fact that I felt completely helpless without my cane.

I am quite aware that they had to x-ray my cane, but what most people of of the sighted world do not understand is this: A cane is practically part of a blind person's physical being or makeup. Take it away from them without warning and the blind person becomes extremely anxious and starts to develop feelings of helplessness. If not explained properly as to why it has been taken away, then the blind person can often become extremely stressed. A feeling of nakedness without my cane is how I felt.

A cane gives me confidence. It enables me to find my way. It helps me to feel secure; somewhat like having a security blanket. Take it away from me and I am left to negotiate my way blindly (pun intended). When a blind person has their cane taken away from them in unfamiliar territory it is thrice as bad. Add to all of this the stress of having to deal with unfriendly security agents and you have just created a powder keg for disaster.

If you would like to learn more about how and why blind persons use canes and where you can purchase one plus much more then please visit either www.independentliving.com or www.maxiaids.com.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your accessibility and special-needs business consultant, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell the world that they need to be more aware of how blind persons react when their canes are taken away from them without warning.