COMING TO TERMS WITH BEING LEGALLY BLIND - Starting White cane training

[@pamwaldron3504]

I;m developing cataracts, and my insurance won't pay for corrective surgery until I;m much more blind than I am now. I voluntarily gave up driving last year, and had to ask for help reading labels at a store for the first time yesterday. The clerk was very helpful, but I've concluded I need to start using a cane just for ID, and possibly future navigation. And if my vision can't be corrected, I'm getting a guide dog, too.

[@kimhollenbeck1308]

Hi Steve Fox,your guide dog is beautiful.I have been legally blind with limited vision since I was 3 years old and I am 58 years old now,I have used my white cane since I was 19 years after I graduated from high school in 1984 in BC Canada,so I am experienced using my white came and whenever I move into a new strange area I get more o&m instructor training with a cnib 0&m instructor who is very nice and patient with me. My very low vision loss,my weak compromised immunity are caused from me being born 3 months premature 58 years ago,I have ongoing eye issues with my remaining eyesight and back and fourth to my eye doctor and specialist surgeon.I love your video and I enjoy watching it

[@PatriotInTheDark]

I can’t imagine going back to my life prior to my cane. It’s so important for your sanity in self-reliance. Not to mention how much pressure it relieves from friends and family. This is a great topic, so keep up the good fight.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Patriot In The Dark I can’t imagine going back to that life either. Thanks for the great feedback. Enjoying watching your videos as well. I think it’s great that we can support each other and together create change. You keep up the good work as well. Cheers!

[@synappticuser5669]

McIntyre here. RP as previous post. Small town on an island off the north coast of Scotland - freezing middle of winter 10pm dark as the inside of a......... - tbere's me getting long cane training - Rehab Officer's idea of fun learning. If I can do my thing in this I can do it anywhere. Not a soul on the streets. Next morning, " Was'at you was out wi' the cane last night?" Those natives who don't have X-ray vision bave night sight bino's in their windows! Although I've used the long cane ever since, my pivotal moment came one day walking home at end of play - lightning bolt - sudden realisation that the sighted were scared to bump into me BECAUSE I was using the long cane. I had become visual. I looked and moved with confidence. 99% are nice people and will gently and quietly move aside. That is the power of the cane - freedom. (Not the Mel Gibson kind.) One more thing the long cane is good for, power cuts. Winter darkness again - Down the Legion to liberate a few when big power cut. Them stranded - me - homing pigeon. McIntyre.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Synapptic User it’s amazing when you find your freedom again. I can definitely relate to that lightbulb moment. Although I’m glad I didn’t have to do cane training at night in the freezing cold to get it. Ha ha. Thanks for watching and have a great day!

[@annetteferguson1981]

Steve and York, I couldn't agree more. Owning your VI/blindness is life-changing in terms of how easy life becomes. Getting help makes you more independent, how crazy is that!! Love your videos.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Minus Melanin it’s obvious to me now. I can’t believe it took me so long to figure things out. Anyway I got there in the end. Thanks for watching. And I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@annetteferguson1981]

@@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350 Same. It took me 38 years to admit I needed a cane, another 8 to actually use it, then another 3 to bite the bullet and get a guide dog. Talk about slooooooooow.

[@elizabethkong9429]

Thank you I’m going through training at certain times

[@JonathanLewis-gf1lu]

Thanks for sharing your story with us brother I did the same thing . I finally made the best I’ve ever done for myself to by using my cane every day I feel better about myself and as time goes better and I don’t have to hide it anymore to.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Great to hear. Glad you're doing well champion. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@LowVisionUKTerrysView]

absolutely with you Steve on this subject. What you describe is what I felt like. I knew, I was loosing my sight - but I didn't want others to know ( apart from close family), so, I soldiered on, and as you said - kept walking into things etc. When a cane was suggested to me, I was dead against it - BUT, over time, I realised just how much it helped me, directly, and indirectly. My trainer said to me, if you walk into someone, and they are aggressive towards you, thats a natural reaction, if you dont have. cane or something that they can see - they have no idea you dont have sight, and therefore, have no reason to help you or walk out of your way etc..he was right

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Low-Vision UK - Terry's View I felt very alone. I thought I was the only one going through it. But now I realise there were thousands of us all over the world. We’re not alone. Thanks for watching. Loving watching your videos with Spencer. Have a great day!

[@JonathanLewis-gf1lu]

I know what you mean guy I just started using a cane not long myself we are all in this together guy.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

We are definitely all in this together. Hope you got something out of the video. Thanks for watching. All the best and have a great day!

[@NicoleKada]

I absolutely love this video! It is so relatable. I tried hiding my blindness and disability for many many years. I was born blind and I don’t think I actually started using my cane independently until I was about 17 or 18 and once I came to my independence, I never turned back. It’s such a great feeling when you discover that. It’s definitely a confidence booster! Have a spectacular Saturday!

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Nicole Kada thanks. I’m really glad that you liked the video. And hopefully the video along with fantastic comments like yours will inspire somebody to find their freedom and independence as well. You have a great Saturday. Cheers!

[@bobbyrendon5866]

Me too RP I just got a cane thank you for this video

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Glad you liked the video. All the best. Cheers!

[@TheSparkysdog]

Well put Steve (and York) I've been registered blind for 23 years, like you I did my long cane training well away from home, silly really as home would ultimately be where I would be using my newly learnt skills. For me once I came to terms with having that visual badge of using a cane or having a Guide Dog the world opened up for me, after all how can you expect others to understand your difficulties if they don't have some sort of visual cue. Stay safe team York 🐾🐾

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Mark Evans sometimes you can feel very alone. But when you reach out it’s crazy how many people of got a similar story. Thanks again for watching. Cheers!

[@SeeingBlind]

A lot of great relatable points! I too struggle with using the white cane. Some of it is practicality. I always am picking up a baby or putting them down or getting them in and out of the car seat when we are out and about. It’s hard to imagine one more thing in my hands when I can just grab on to people LOL

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Seeing Blind sounds like you’ve got your hands full. Ha ha. All the best. And thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@buddycollier3541]

I started down the same road a couple of years ago. Thanks for the video. Good to know I’m not alone.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Buddy Collier you are definitely not alone. Thanks for watching. And have a great day!

[@davidowen4802]

Thanks for sharing a very personal and encouraging story.

[@jannellmeagher638]

As a Puppy Raiser, York is absolutely adorable. That head!💙 I may have to rewatch your video since I couldn't help staring at York. Lol

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

He does get a lot of comments when we are out and about. I am working on a new video now that features him a lot more. It’s a bit of fun. Cheers!

[@jannellmeagher638]

@@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350 Can't wait!

[@lindadougherty3452]

I am very glad that I took the training and I do use my cane quite a lot. Thanks for your videos

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Linda Dougherty thanks for watching. We have great fun making them. The right training can definitely make a huge difference in your life. Have a great day!

[@BLINDEXPLORERASIFMUHAMMAD]

Very amazing video well done and keep up the great work and I only have light perception and I losted my eyesight because of a double brain hemorrhage and I am a long white cane user and I hope you and your family keep safe and well

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

BLINDEXPLORER2226 BLINDEXPLORER2226 thanks. I am really glad that you liked the video. Have a good one. Cheers!

[@janetharradine4330]

thank you for your vlogs, very helpful to friends of people in the same situation. Helps us to understand xxJ

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Janet Harradine happy to help. Really glad that you liked the video. Have a great day!

[@shessassy]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Sarah M. Hughes thanks and have a great day!

[@thejword]

Thanks so much! I can totally relate to this! I’m afraid I’m just about at the stage to need it…

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Kenny Johnson i’m glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching. If you would like to send me an email. If you go to the about section on my KZbin channel. My email address and Facebook details are there. I hope that helps. Have a great day!

[@budgie327]

Good on ya mate, I’ve always got a shoulder for you bud👍

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Thanks mate. We need to Catch up again as soon as all this lockdown stuff is over. Cheers!

[@richardweaver9682]

I use a short white cane (about 4 ft.). I can see about 75% normal but I have no debth perception and cannot see most print. I feel a long cane would be more of a hinderence to me than this shorter one.

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Richard Weaver I am really glad that you found something that works for you. Whatever works. It’s not really about the cane. It’s all about living the life that you want to live. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@ECHO15charlie]

It d I rs help because eventua km y you stumble at some point without it

[@rspineda58]

hi Steve, we should talk. Blessings my friend

[@christophermillhouse2092]

Thanks for adding to my education. By the way, is that York in the painting behind you? I just noticed there was a blond lab in it. :)

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

I had to check with my wife but there's no Lab in the picture. It's a patch of sand in a similar colour. I think that's what you're seeing. Cheers!

[@BoysAreSmellyo]

I hope my husband will find self-acceptance one day. He also has R.P.. Do you have any tips for me as his wife?

[@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350]

Sara Moon it all depends on where he is at with his vision. The only advice I can give is to support him. But if his vision has declined peer support and reaching out for help really does help. Embrace assistive technology and orientation and ability training. It’s easier to be blind then to be stuck in the middle of being cited and blind. I’m not sure if that makes sense. But once you embrace all the supports that are available you can start a new life. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching and have a great day!

[@BoysAreSmellyo]

@@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350 that's amazing advice! It really helps me a lot . Thank you! Wish you a great day. God bless you