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How to Get Around Safely
- A long white cane can be used for identification for others and
also to sweep and probe the area that you are approaching. There are
different types of canes such as telescoping canes, canes that can fit
into a purse or pocket, folding canes, graphite canes, aluminum canes
and wooden canes.
- Use the sighted guide technique to enhance safety by taking a
friend or family member's arm with a firm grip, thumb on the outside,
just above the elbow. Your guide should walk about half a step ahead to
"preview" what's up front and to avoid possible obstacles. You'll be
able to feel -- and follow -- your guide's movement. It also helps to
be told when you're coming to a turn, stop, door, curb or step.
- When preparing to sit, walk with your guide to a distinct part
of the chair. Ask your guide to describe the chair -- whether or not it
has arms, if its position is under the table or facing out, or if it's
not near a table at all. Have your guide place your hand on the back or
seat of the chair. In most situations, you'll then be able to seat
yourself. If there's a table in front of the chair, place one hand on
the chair back, place your other hand on the table's edge, pull the
chair out and seat yourself.
- Inform guides not to push or grab you in their efforts to
assist; this action can cause an accident or embarrassing situation.
Encourage people to ask you first if assistance is needed, and then be
sure to use the correct sighted guide techniques.
- To travel through a narrow passage, such as a doorway, your
guide's arm should be placed behind his/her back. Holding that arm,
stand directly behind your guide, so you can walk through the narrow
space and resume the regular sighted guide position.
- When getting into a car, ask your guide if you're entering the
front or back seat. Also ask to have one of your hands placed on the
door frame of the car and the other on the back of the seat. This
should give you enough information to sit safely.
- When family or friends depart, remind them to leave you in
contact with an object, such as a chair or wall, rather than in an open
area, which can be confusing or frightening.
- If your vision is not sufficient to walk independently within
a familiar environment, such as your home, try a "trailing" technique.
This technique lets you know when you reach corners, pieces of
furniture, etc., but it will not help you find stairs or other drops.
Extend your arm closest to the wall about 12 inches in front of your
hip, and lightly touch the wall with the back of your hand. Keep your
fingers extended yet bent towards the floor.
- To avoid injury from potential hazards, such as a partially
opened cabinet or door, use the "upper protective" technique. Place the
back of your hand on the opposite shoulder. Position your forearm 12
inches in front of your shoulder, until your elbow is at 110 degrees.
With your fingers extended, maintain the position as you walk to shield
your face and neck. Using this method, obstacles in your path will
contact your forearm, rather than your face.
- Use landmarks and reference points -- easy-to-recognize,
permanent or unique locations, such as mailboxes or the corner of a
building or awning -- especially when in a new place. If you ever get
disoriented or lost, landmarks and reference points work as "home
bases" to which you can return to get your bearings.
- Use technology to enhance your comfort level while on the go. You can purchase talking pedometers and compasses, for example, which help you navigate and/or establish landmarks. Global positioning systems also can help you determine your surroundings.