What NOT To Do When Meeting A Blind Person - The Blind Life

[@melanies.6139]

My mother-in-law grabbed my cane to lead me to a seat through a crowded waiting room. I was so shocked I didn't say anything. She also used to basically manhandle me, trying to tuck me under her arm or taking me by the hand and hauling me forward. She'd also try to push my head down when getting in the car as if I was a perp being arrested. And she's a NURSE. She means well but she's a bit of a nightmare. Fortunately I got enough sight back that I don't need her to guide me any longer. Whew!

[@theblindlife]

Wow!

[@Gamedaughter1]

My former boss, who I worked with for 6 years would always point and say "over there" whenever I would ask where something was. Don't point when someone is visually impaired just use good descriptive vocabulary.

[@alexisvaladez2529]

I hate that too, why do people act like we have vision? Btw, I'm with the nfb of Arizona, which state are you from?

[@Gamedaughter1]

@@alexisvaladez2529 Indiana

[@brianfuller7691]

My cousin is blind and deals with that constantly. People think they're being helpful but they're not.

[@judyives1832]

Yep. It happens pretty often. Its also really funny when someone talks to my guide dog instead of to me and/or tries to give him directions.

[@johnrhodes3350]

When my stepmother was in the maternity ward, she eventually had to ask one of the nurses to show her where the bathroom was. When they got into a fairly large room she showed her where the light switch was but only pointed towards the toilet and washbasin.

[@Anemix5]

It drives me crazy when people say "Do you know who I am? Do you recognize my voice?" Instead of just telling me who they are. Only once did I have a lady talk loudly into my face to which her friend said "Why do did you do that, her eyes don't work her ears are fine!" Great video!

[@ukekrazy1242]

@SKIP สคิพ ROCHE The best was a friend who saw me on the street and she knows that I have very little vision so she waved both hands over her head and said "Hey Ximena!!! It's me Stephanie!!!" I thanked for the best encounter I've had on the street.

[@shivanshgarewal2833]

Wait then how did you write this comment then?

[@judyives1832]

@@shivanshgarewal2833 We use accessible technology to read and post.

[@abdullahak2204]

Omg I hare it too i have low vision and I can see the people just fine but I don't always recognize people and even if I do it's so annoying to answer that question!!!!

[@sharont6454]

This video reminds me of an incident which happened to me several years ago. I was sitting with my two sighted sisters in a restaurant, and they had given their orders. The waitress asked one of my sisters, "What does she want?" I immediately pointed at the one she was speaking to and said, "I don't know what she wants, but I want a steak, salad, and a baked potato." We all had a good laugh including the waitress. Our meal went smoothly after that.

[@emaildavinam]

One thing that you might want to consider it, if it is not a native English speaker, many times the word for cane in other languages is the start, a stick. In Vietnamese, Italian, Greek and a few others, it is called a stick. I speak nine languages, so I can sometimes get into other cultures mind since I spend so much time around them. So that might be what happened. So it might be annoying, but just keep that in mind.

[@stephenbutler1312]

It's now grown a 19 time and people are coffee into your elbows they been sneezing into them to since flu season Maybe we should divide another touch point because when you touch somebody's elbow is got all kinds of germs on it now days you might wanna modify your your warning or suggestion for that and also like the one lady said stick as used in other countries as Cain so don't let your pepes get you to carry away buddy

[@coolclimbten]

People call my cane a stick all the time as well, and it also drives me crazy, because a stick sounds very primitive but a cane is a carefully engineered tool. Considering the sheer amount of people who use the word stick, and the amount of them who are native English speakers, I don't think it's just a language barrier thing, I think it's just a lack of education.

[@bradleybrown8428]

I'm blind and call it a stick or cane, it doesn't bother me.

[@colonel9990]

Just came across you channel. I think it's awesome. Binge watching. V.I.P. sense birth. I hate when people talk to the people with you like you're not there. Happened to me when paying car insurance. My car, my insurance in my name, paying with my cash. And, the agent act as if I wasn't even there. I lost my temper on that treatment. He was moved to another agency office and sent for 6 weeks sensitivity training. 😎

[@theblindlife]

Excellent, thanks for joining the channel!

[@JuanAlcazar]

Yeah it gets on my nerves a bit when I hear a cane being called a stick. Someone should just make a meme with a cane pictured in it and it says “Not a stick”. Glad you spoke up at the airport when they weren’t talking to you. I think a lot of it just comes from people not knowing how to interact with a blind person or being afraid of saying the wrong thing.

[@theblindlife]

Maybe I’ll make a T-shirt!

[@TheWendable]

Do you think it depends on where you’re from? We use walking sticks in the UK and don’t call them 'walking canes' so we tend to call it a white stick… is this insulting to some people?

[@JoeDFWAviation]

I always have people talking to people I’m with instead of me 🤦🏼‍♂️I have a facial difference so that’s part of it. Still annoying

[@brenthunter5078]

Having the sighted person with me be spoken to as if I am their child is a huge petpieve for me. I actually like this video. Most of these "what not to do" videos involving blind people are mostly wining about offensive questions and whatnot, and I think they just scare people more. I, personally, would say if you meet a blind person, the things not to do are be afraid or worrie about what you say. People are so afraid of offending others, and many of these vids just contribute to the problem by making us all appear like fragile little snowflakes. This vid focused on the real issues though, and by the way,,, where in Kentucky? I live in Evansville Indiana which is right across the border, a couple hours from Louisville.

[@theblindlife]

I’m glad you like the video! That’s pretty cool, we’re neighbors, I’m in Lexington.

[@larrytestut4655]

A Sided person should always ask if a vision impaired need help before they need it because not everyone needs help

[@emaildavinam]

I am shocked that a flight attendant would do the best! It happens to me quite a lot, but I work in Asia and go to the Middle East, and other places were people aren’t as educated when it comes to things like the white cane. In Vietnam, for example, I am also asked, at least a few times a day, if my cane has electricity inside… One taxi driver watched me walk into a puddle and then said to me “why did you just walk in that?! Your cane can’t stop you? I said no, the cane doesn’t have anything magical inside and considering the amount of water I come across in Vietnam, I’m really glad my cane does not have electricity. Think floods up to your waist…

[@emaildavinam]

And, if it makes you laugh, somebody in the UK once told her child that my cane was a white guide dog. Now, I have heard it called a lot of things, including a billiard stick, a paintbrush? I don’t know why a paintbrush, but that comes from a lot of Italians… But I have never heard it referred to as a white guide dog. I should have said, yes but it doesn’t bark.

[@alexisvaladez2529]

Hahaha, that's funny

[@BlindGuyShow]

I agree with everything you said in this video. I also had someone at an airport grab my cane. They put me in a wheelchair to take me to my gate, and the person assisting me, tried to take my cane right out of my hand. I just laughed it off.

[@sharont6454]

I enjoy your videos very much, and I'd like to add my own experiences when dealing with the sighted public. I've had waiters/waitresses in restaurants ask family members what I wanted to eat or drink. "does she want her baked potato loaded? Does she want sweetened tea?" One time, a waitress pointed at me and asked my sister, "What does she want." I smiled and said pointing to my sister, "I don't know what she wants, but I want a New York 6oz., baked potato loaded, and a glass of raspberry tea." What about people talking about me like I'm not even there.(smiley face) "She actually raised two kids and she's totally blind?" Or, folks might be having a conversation regarding the general blind community. "I don't see how they make it." "They can cook and clean and just live like anyone else." (lol) I could tell you more, but it would take up to much space. lol. Thanks again for your channel.

[@TheWendable]

Every establishment who works with customers or clients should have to pass a disabled equality test. Its the same with people in wheelchairs, the public presume they have learning difficulties 🤦🏻‍♀️. You rock my dear x

[@KonjikiKonjiki]

Oh my! So even seasoned VIPs get struck out of the blue by sighted people weirdness with the cane! I'd never think to grab onto someone's shoulder bag, ponytail, or other part of their personal space to help them to their seat. Perhaps the driver and air hostess went for your cane because they couldn't quite reach your beard. :)

[@theblindlife]

LOL maybe you’re right! Although I do enjoy when ladies tug on the beard! LOL

[@PurfectRelaxation]

I laughed when you called it a stick! My mom calls it that and I let it go since I know she has a Walkingstick that she uses a lot! Great video!

[@cfoote416]

grabbing the Kane would be like a physical restraint for sure; I am glad to hear you navigated through it. I am legally blind but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything, so thank you

[@LiveAccessible]

Hey Sam, sorry they grabbed your blind stick. Hahaha. I really don't mind what they call it, as long as they know what it's for. I know a lot of blind people who call it their stick. I call it a cane, but I I think some people just like to have some fun with it. But at least you got through it!! I usually try to catch when they are about to grab my arm or hand or Kane and I take a step back. No no no no no. either I'll take your elbow or I'll just follow you. I hate that!

[@BlindtoBillionaire]

Hey Sam! Welcome back, it’s great to see you. Well, in my case it is great to hear you. LOL. Wow, this is never happened to you before but happen twice yesterday. That is crazy! You’re right, all of us were blind or visually impaired know this is something you would never do. But thank you for creating this video to share with other people who are cited or possibly going to interact with blind or visually impaired people on what not to do when they see us. Thank you very much for another awesome video, you’re a great guy and I love your content! Have a great day, Matt

[@tabithajackson7758]

Girl Gone Blind has an inititave called "Don't Grab, Just Ask". People who don't talk directly to a visually impaired person

[@vegasrecmgr27]

On a recent trip I took the flight attendant trying to guide me through the jet bridge kept grabbing my cane over the humps where the jet bridge extends…

[@throughtheeyesofabby3118]

Hi Sam Great video! I have had someone, (not going to name names) treat me like a child just because I am visually impaired. We are just as smart as you! Just because we can't see doesn't give you an excuse to treat us like two year olds! So, to anyone who may be interacting with a blind or visually impaired person, treat them like the age they are, not like a two year old. Also, I have had a bus driver call my cane a pole!

[@kimberlyhood5920]

It absolutely amazes me when someone figures out that you were visually impaired or you tell them they then think that you can't hear either.

[@weirdness_of_agnes]

thank you my vision is going downhill so i am planning ahead and writing things down for my family and finding ways to get around

[@chrisfitzchrisfitz5182]

Oh that is so true exclamation it is equally true, that you are not supposed to lean on anyone’s wheelchair with out asking. and so many other “dues and don’ts”. the best thing to do if you’re not sure is to ask!

[@tinahawley09]

Love this, I had a nurse at an ophthalmologist office call my cane an "appliance" when i was a kid, visiting my dad in NC a guy called it a "hog whipping stick" lol and YES i hate when people talk past me like I do not exist or speak very slowly and loudly as if I have a hearing or cognitive disability

[@LowVisionUKTerrysView]

Oh my word. I know it shouldn't, but it did make me chuckle a little that people do that. You wouldn't grab someones walking stick, or their crutches - so why grab someones white cane? The mind boggles lol. Yet another brilliant video. loved it

[@leeveitch6220]

Dude, I called my cane a stick. Sometimes I even Collett my eyeballs.

[@therealkevinmcnally]

Oh man Sam, so true. I just got back from some international travel last night. Most of the interactions were good, but there are usually some not so good interactions! Don't touch my cane!! Nice job!

[@theblindmutt4706]

I had this happen back in January I was at a concert and I was at the top level of the stadium and some guy asked if I needed help finding my seat and I said yes please and he grabbed my Kane and I was at the top of the stairs I said put my Kane down I can't see the stairs

[@ashinirei]

In UK English, canes are usually called sticks, aside from the high-end sort rich folks may carry. Commoners don't have canes. Very different in the U.S.

[@donnaallison7462]

Thank you so much foe making these points.

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

LOL. You can call many things but a stick is not one of them. I like that. The other day I was at my school of registrars office and my mom is with me and one of the ladies who work there asked my mom what year was in our class as opposed to asking me who is standing right there. I answered of course and then she spoke to me but it was frustrating

[@cherbrowne1637]

Sam you are a fabulous help. I'm often treated as an incapable invisible non entity now I'm VIP. It's tiresome so your tips and ideas are very welcome. 🙋

[@theblindlife]

thanks! I'm glad you find my content useful.

[@alizarehman1790]

Hey Sam I found you from live accessible or Kerry the point you’re making hear about the cane is so valid some people don’t realise that it’s our eyes in so many different ways when we’re on our own and when people call it a stick and it frustrates me because it’s not as if we’re walking with a twig

[@cristobalavendano9825]

Its funny that all the thinks that you talk about in the video are really common to me, its like people think that cause whe see less we cant do anything especially in airports all the time talking to a thirt person insted of adressing me. well i just laught now. Really like the video thanks Sam

[@Tawney_Williams]

You never grab a strange man's stick.

[@darquequeen2323]

Tawney Williams Oh, but that makes life more interesting and fun.

[@martlabuson]

Ask first. Maybe he'll let you! LOL

[@alexisvaladez2529]

It's called a cane people!

[@emilyn632]

I always laugh when people call it a stick🤣 doesn’t bother me but I hate when people grab my cane. The worst was when they took it from my bag. I’m night blind and don’t use it a lot, and it peeved me so much that I reported it D:

[@Joys...GRWM1]

@@alexisvaladez2529 thank you. It’s called a cane. We don’t call it a stick!

Thank you so much! In few minutes I will be guiding blind people. I have learned what I don't have to do!

[@snowblindart]

Nice to meet you. I am also blind. Enjoying your channel so far. Thanks.

[@theblindlife]

I’m glad, great to meet you as well

[@thunderboom6666]

I completely agree with all of these things, including the thing where people call a cane a stick, it is a cane, not a stick!

[@mariamayub212]

I really appreciate the video and what you had to say. I still don't have a cane yet because I haven't been able to get anyone to take me to get training to use one but it's really difficult when people guide you and they don't let you tell them how you want to walk, the speed you want to walk and to look out for changes in the ground since I don't have a cane. They'll just grab you and walk really fast so I just let them go to walk as fast as they want and I just try to wing it on my own, in fact I spent a lot of time just walking normally without help because I memorized the places I have to go and I'll just stand for a few minutes until I can get the brightness of the lights off of my cataracts and just follow people were walking in front of me going inside a store or trying to make my way around myself because when people guide me, they make me fall down to quickly or easily since my legs struggle since I'm Type 1 diabetic and I can't walk that fast. It's just useless unless the person can slow down or actually listen to me and some have but a lot of people don't. So I'm basically visually impaired without a cane and often without any help so I walk really really slow and people think I am probably insane. LOL

[@theblindlife]

You could always go ahead and get the cane and just start to get familiar with it before getting officially trained on it. If you had one, you could use it along with the cited guide.

[@jannellmeagher638]

Thank you for your video. I am a puppy raiser praying our puppy makes it as a future guide dog. Grabbing a cane? Wow! People are crazy. Hope people who don't know have watched your video.

[@nancisumner7511]

Have you ever heard someone refer to Braille as "gravel?" My friend told me that the manager of the apartment building she's living in told her they had ordered the "gravel" to stick on the washers and dryers!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

I agree you should give them options on how do you should help you it's based to communication so it is

[@antonialliteras8535]

When I first started using a cane, MY HUSBAND would grab it to guide me! Eventually I had him join me on one of my O&M training sessions and now he does great. He had to hear it from a professional though!

[@nearly-blindbrian8372]

I"m a Vip and I deal with a lot of folks in wheelchairs I have to make a conscious effort to talk to the person in the chair, not the care giver..Looking forward to your travel video.

[@wolfgirlpup3778]

Thank you as I kinda don’t know how to properly interact and don’t know what makes people uncomfortable.

[@paulakingsley1694]

I Thank you so much for this video. I just subscribed. I am almost fully blind with a no cure blinding disease called choridal neovascularlization disease. I'm 45 going through a lot. And I have had this happen and its crazy

[@theblindlife]

So glad you enjoyed the video, and welcome to the channel!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Yes it's rude felt the same time you stood up for yourself you're not gonna be discriminated by him and thank you for doing that

[@allaboutmycats454]

This is the kind of video I missed from you Sam-and I especially missed the humorous ones. Please do more -you don’t pull the mask on the Lone Ranger and you don’t mess around with Sam’s cane! Visual means visual not audible! Lol I’ve had folks speak a lot louder to me when I tell them I’m visually impaired. Lol 😂

[@mister-Kayne]

Even I hate it when they call the cane a stick! I also hate those people who walk away from conversations without informing me. Sometimes I end up talking to myself which is really embarrassing. Then there are those clever people who think they’re helping but they’re not but I totally miss guiding you not knowing which is my left and which is my right instead instructing on the right and the left

[@pagzplay]

I have had people talk to the people around me and not to me and I do not understand how they can do that because I can hear them doing it. I do not know why people have to grab your cane to guide you but I think it is because they do not know that you still want to be using it to identify things around you or they would not be doing it. What really should happen is people should just ask what they need to do to help you and maybe it is just to identify what something is you hear or touch with your cane. And yes all my friends who are Blind say the words see and watch and saw. It just is something that people say and really means you heard a movie or TV shows.

[@TonyVeloOfficial]

All of these have happend to me as well... thank you for the insight

[@TheWendable]

Is calling it a stick more popular in the UK? Walking sticks and white sticks are often used as don’t really use the word 'cane' at all …… but we don’t mean to offend visitors to the UK. I could read all these comments and experiences all day. Knowledge is power 🤗 Thank you all

[@sdhummer]

Looking forward to the airport video.

[@karenkoenig2679]

I had an amazing escort in PHX. She approached and asked if I wanted a wheelchair or how she could help me. We chatted as we walked side by side. She realized I had some vision and asked me about it. Later, she pointed out the restroom, at my request, and asked if I could see it. When I said no, she apologized for saying the word see. I laughed and told her to never apologize for saying that word! However, when I got to Denver, I was told I had to sit in a wheelchair in order to be escorted to my connecting flight. I denied the ride, and asked for directions. It was my first time traveling by myself.

[@sharukhs97]

You are right it is common problem for everyone

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Thank you for talking about this video Sam I don't like it when people trying to grab a cane or when they call it stick I really do not

[@scottanson7524]

Your clips are great ... you tell them man !! I learn stuff every one ... thanks

[@glynnetolar4423]

What do you feed a pet peeve? Do they have delivery services for food?

[@henrikharbin5521]

Hi, Sam... As a physically disabled person as well as being legally blind, I have taken paratransit buses as well as cars for disabled people. I use a walker instead if a cane; it's more stable for me. As I was walking toward the lift in the paratransit bus, the driver grabbed my walker and YANKED it forward. I almost fell forward in top of the walker! You would think that a bus driver for disabled riders would be trained NOT to do that.

[@SpannerManna]

How are you now?

[@gunnarcrispen2094]

Yes! Finally someone who understands my pet peeve about people calling my cane a stick or something else like that. It makes me so mad. Also, I hate it when people ask me how many fingers they are holding up. I also understand your issues with people grab my cane. Sam, PLEASE respond if you can and agree with me. And can you make a video on some tips for the V.I.P community or just respond with a comment.

[@theblindlife]

Yes I totally agree! If I had a dollar for every time somebody asked me how many fingers they were holding up, I would be a millionaire, LOL!

[@rodrigosmith24]

Thank you so much for your story. I have had the same issue myself. I’ve never used a cane, but I probably should.

[@MrShwnhhwrd]

Had a simular story at an airport. When i went through the full body scsnner the TSA agent gave non specific direction and grabbed my arm instead of offering his arm as a gyide. My wife told him i was VIP before i went through. Have to say i really didnt lije that. Made me feel like a kid. Ignorance is bliss, i guess. Great video as usual.

[@abdullahak2204]

Oh my God i have a few pet peeves of my own! 1)" Did you recognize me?" 2) Talking to another person about my disability when I'm right there... you can ask me directly. 3) just assuming things. People with disabilities can do a lot of things why just assume? You can ask them but dont asdume...

[@GreenChapstick86]

My mom went blind almost over night. Her sister wanted to get her, and I quote, "an eye stick" LMAO. My other aunts had to correct her before i could even compose myself. Now, mind you none of us had been around anyone blind or even know the proper term for the cane, but we knew it was a cane, and we knew it wasn't an "eye stick" or even an "eye cane" for that matter. This was about 2 years ago so I wish i had seen this video sooner, hehehe.

[@theblindlife]

LOL, it happens all the time! I was actually working with a client today whose wife said that he needed to get a stick because he kept bumping into things.

[@ktrudy1]

You’re in Lexington Kentucky? That’s so cool I just live about 35 miles north of you. Loving ur vids.

[@theblindlife]

That’s pretty cool! BTW, you have a great KZbin name, lol!

[@ktrudy1]

@@theblindlife awww ty. I’m in Cynthiana. ♥️ we go to Lexington to eat at Texas Roadhouse a lot lol

[@BDRHDG]

GOD BLESS YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION THAT YOU ARE SHARING IN YOUR VIDEOS BACK IN 2015 I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH GLAUCOMA I HAVE BEEN LEGALLY BLIND ON MY LEFT SIDE SINCE THE AGE OF SIX SEVEN YEARS OLD AND HAD MY RIGHT EYE TO SEE WITH AND I DID PRETTY WELL UP UNTIL 2015 I LOST MY PERIPHERAL VISION MY SIDE VISION ON MY RIGHT EYE AND SO NOW I AM TRYING TO ADAPT TO MY SITUATION IT'S REFRESHING TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF WELL HELPING OTHER FOLKS SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE I DON'T USE ANY CANE BUT I HAVE A BROTHER AND HIS WIFE THEY BOTH USE THE WHITE CANE AND THEY FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE USING IT I THINK ABOUT IT SOMETIMES ABOUT GETTING ONE BUT I GET DEPRESSED SOMETIMES THINKING THAT PEOPLE WOULD SEE ME USING A CANE MY VISION IS A LITTLE FOGGY I STILL CAN SEE BUT NOT CLEARLY I SEE BETTER WHEN IT'S CLOUDY OUTSIDE BUT WHEN THE SUN REALLY IT'S HOT OUT THERE IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME SOMETIMES I WEAR SUNGLASSES IT HELPS A LITTLE WILL THE GLARE OKAY THANK YOU KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU'RE WONDERFUL

[@BlindtoBillionaire]

Hey Sam, LOL, one more thing. I didn’t realize you have such a pet peeve about what the cane is called. Sometimes I Collett a stick just to be a smart ass. LOL. Sorry, I didn’t realize that irritates you. I definitely know it is called a cane, but sometimes I like to refer to it as a stick, or my feeler, or a variety of other names. LOL. Sorry if I have irritated you at any time in the past. LOL Matt

[@tracytrebilcox]

Only change I would suggest is adding an audio description.

[@r.heathclavin8431]

Wish I found your channel earlier. Glad to you’re NFB!

[@GORYGIRL]

I'M LEGALLY BLIND AS WELL AS BLIND IN ONE EYE, AND I TYPE LIKE THIS TO SEE THE LETTERS BETTER, ALSO PLEASE FORGIVE ANY GRAMMAR/SPELLING ERRORS IF ANY ARE PRESENT, AND SORRY IF I MENTIONED ANY OF THIS BEFORE. ANYWAYS OMG, I FREAKING LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, MAN, I WATCHED ONE OR TWO NOT TOO LONG AGO ABOUT DIFFERENT CANES AND ALL. MAN, I NEED TO GET ANOTHER ONE AND FIGURE OUT MY PREFERRED SIZE AND ALL. AND THIS TIME SINCE MY SCHOOL ISNT TELLING ME WHAT I CAN AND CAN'T DO WITH IT, I HOPE TO HAVE IT KIND OF CUSTOMIZED TO BE...SORT OF DIFFERENT COLORS. WELL SORRY ABOUT THAT, ESPECIALLY IF I SAID THIS BEFORE. WELL ONTO THESE TOPICS...OH MY GOD, LOL THAT SECOND HAS HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE SOOOOO MANY TIMES! THIS ONE TIME, THERE WAS WHEN I WAS AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE, FOR I THINK A CHECKUP. (WE NO LONGER GO TO THAT DOCTOR FOR DIFFERENT REASONS BTW). BUT SHE LITERALLY TURNED TO MY MOM, WHILE I'M SITTING AT THE EXAMINATION TABLE MIND YOU, AND SHE ASKED HER: "CAN SHE SEE?" LIKE I'M NOT THERE LOL! RUDE, AS YOU SAID, ITS JUST RUDE, ALSO KEEP IN MIND THAT WASN'T OUR FIRST TRIP SEEING HER, HELL WE WERE THERE OTHER TIMES AND SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO ALREADY KNOW A THING OR TWO ABOUT MY VISION LOSS. THEN ABOUT THE CANE ORDEAL-I DON'T THINK IT INVOLVES SOMEONE TRYING TO GUIDE ME PER-SEI BUT ITS SIMILAR TO ISH, MOM HAS TOLD ME STORIES ABOUT HOW PEOPLE WOULD STARE AT IT/NME, OUT IN PUBLIC. MIND YOU IF CHILDREN DO IT, I PERSONALLY DON'T CARE, IF THEY'RE YOUNG ENOUGH TO NOT KNOW BETTER, IF THEY WANNA ASK ME QUESTIONS I USUALLY DON'T MIND. BUT IT WAS THE DAMN ADULTS THAT GOT ME BECAUSE MOM SAID THEY'D MAKE THEIR KIDS TURN AWAY, WHILE ALSO STARING AT ME THEMSELVES, (SOMETIMES OUT OF PITY). OR IF THE KID ASKS ME SOMETHING, OR TRIES TO, THE PARENTS ARE ALL LIKE "NO DON'T TALK TO HER!" LIKE I'M A CONTAGIOUS MUTANT OR SOMETHING LOL! THEN IF MOM WOULD CALL THEM OUT FOR STARING AND ALL, THEY'D TURN AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. PEOPLE AND THEIR BEHAVIOR(S) ARE SO CONFUSING SOMETIMES WITH DISABILITIES AS A WHOLE, I SWEAR MAN ITS SO RIDICULOUS ITS SILLY, AT LEAST TO ME IT IS LOL! I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LONG ESSAY TY TO ANYONE FOR READING. :)

[@anodysseyofsteven1985]

HEY SAM, WELCOME BACK!!! WOW!! WHAT AN EXPERIENCE YOU HAD. BUT GLAD THE REST OF THE TRIP WAS GOOD. THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO AS I THINK IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT TOPIC FOR SURE. I DO HAVE A OFF TOPIC QUESTION, WAS NUEYES THERE AT THE CONFERENCE YOU WENT TOO? THANKS AGAIN SAM..

[@theblindlife]

No, they weren’t at the conference this year.

[@zuzoscorner]

I"ve never had my cane grabbed Just never happened to me.

[@rafaeltorovip]

I do really like how you put together your videos. The graphics are very nice. What program do you use to edit your videos? Nice content. Continue doing the great job 👍

[@theblindlife]

Thank you very much! I use a free program called da Vinci resolve to edit my videos.

[@teresahopemiller1008]

Got another one for you this really peeves me., I ride the bus and people who are old love to grab my long white cane as a support cane instead of a guiding navigating device. One lady did and she actually fell!

[@theblindlife]

LOL! I shouldn’t laugh at that but can’t help it

[@queenc9172]

I’m late to the conversation but... OMG it irks my nerves when someone refer to my cane as a stick. I have experienced the grabbing of the cane on multiple occasions usually a hostess in a restaurant. I firmly hold on to it giving it a little tug to prompt them to let it go. It almost always works!

[@theblindlife]

LOL, thanks for sharing!

[@Rolphul]

Not gonna lie. I got here bu googling "I hate blind people." Im visually impaired myself and just kinda wanted to see what would come up. I have the sense of humor of a 7 year old forgive me BUT I am happy that I found this channel Edit: People have called my canr a "blind sitck"

[@theblindlife]

LOL, no worries! Welcome to the channel!

[@Lunasmysticaldelights]

It happen to me was waiting to cross the street a stranger came up and grab my cane pulling me into the street. Also be careful at amusement park they call it a weapon and will try to take it from u.

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

They should ask how they should help you in my opinion

[@macadamiaowl9702]

I think the problem is with "stick" vs cane words is bad translations between languages and too much trust in poor Google Translate App < that's the problem language differences and too direct unnecessary translations. For example White cane for a low vision or blind person is: In Germany: Blindenlangstock or Blindenstock it's bulid from words Blinden - blind person, Stock - cane, stick < ! when translating word "Stock" to English, Polish the true meaning is lost. In Poland: biała laska - biała - white, laska - cane. No other group of people use white canes so we don't add word blind or low vision.

[@bethomansky7139]

Hi Sam! Yeh, grabbing the cane is definitely a "don't do that!." Regarding "stick" - I have heard many blind people, especially from the UK, call their cane a "stick." I'm not a fan of that, but respect it's their preferred term. So, maybe this is a cross-cultural thing?

[@jeromedavis8575]

Personally, I don't feel comfortable living alone, though I want to maintain my independence via a trusted friend etc. I won't be living with my family forever. That's just something to think about.

[@shewolf871]

There’s a girl at my church who is completely blind I really want to meet her and become her friend unfortunately because of the pandemic the only way we can meet is through text messages and through Facebook messenger do you have any advice for me this is my first time meeting A visually impaired person

[@Dodgerm1cbo]

Hi Sam, do you have any tips for legally blind person who is a wheelchair user ? Or know of someone who can ? Thanks

[@theblindlife]

You could try to contact the national Federation of the blind or the American Council of the blind. They probably have a lot of good resources.

[@robertlfosheecpa4692]

I can't fathom someone grabbing your cane. I don't use one personally but think it probably would have positive benefit so I haven't experienced this one. I have experienced having them talk to me like I'm not there or am unable to answer for myself.

[@sabrina1985]

Hi Sam, its so weird to grab any person so why should a person do that with a vip or blind person. Like VIP’s or blind people cant think or speak. WoW. And grab the stick 😝😝😝cane. Thats so weird. I would ask if they cant talk. How difficult is it to start a conversation and ask of anyone need help or something. Love sabrina

[@americanrice870]

hey dude talk to me I my grandma is 95 tomorrow she had a stroke three weeks ago has been blind since I have no clue every time I ask her something about something she says I can't see it im sorry IDK I what to do something for her though any thoughts

[@robinoliver1252]

I think we all should learn ventriloquism, and you pick the way you want to run with it.

[@kevinjernigan6649]

As an O&M, referring to a cane as a stick is pet peeve of mine as well. I have also seen people in the general public grab one of my students canes as a way to lead to them. Grrr.

[@theblindlife]

LOL, I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels this way!

[@TheR005ter]

Hey Mr. Sam I've got a question for ya is there away that i can talk to ya besides on here I need to know about the ADA it's real important please help me .

[@theblindlife]

The best way to get a hold of me is through email. The blind life [e-mail]. All one word with no spaces.

[@denaswords3571]

I’m visually impaired I have retinitis pigmentosa and I wanted to say I have one child she’s eight months old and I want to be able to do things with her independently but a lot of the times I don’t have transportation from family and friends and don’t have the money to use cabs so I don’t know what I should do. Plus I get the disability check each month but it is just enough to cover my bills do you have any ideas of how I could make extra money as being a visually impaired person and I have a cane but I don’t use itBecause I haven’t gotten much training on it. Any advice?

[@theblindlife]

If you live in the United States, I would recommend contacting your states local office for the blind and vocational rehabilitation service. Every state has an office and they will be able to help you find employment.

[@toadettetoady9861]

I was in a line for a ride at a theme park and had my cane. The line was looping around, and two guys were in the loop beside me. One of them said "Look, she's blind." The other one said, "She can't be that blind- she hasn't run into anybody yet!" Hmmm, blind does not equal deaf! I wanted so much to say, "Hey, I can hear you!"

[@theblindlife]

LOL I’ve actually said that a few times myself!

[@stretchwith]

My best friend- after 15 years of activities STILL does not know how to act around me. :( Most people are ignorant and most people are self centered, so most people don't even notice your "STICK".

[@muminabegum7466]

Oh I hate it when I’m in a social gathering with my family and people ask them questions about me instead of asking me directly lol! EG: How old is she? Was she blind from birth? Can she get dressed by herself? Does she need help in the bath or a shower? Does she want anything to eat or drink? These people really need to learn their vocabulary coz it’s like they don’t really understand what the word “blind” is and be aware that blind people are just normal people haha!

[@theblindlife]

Oh man, that would drive me crazy!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Exactly it's why I put my own videos to show blind and Bishea impaired people can use some now that this is what they can do and not to believe that they can't do it themselves

[@juliedew6669]

This has happened to me as well.

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Sam I have experienced those moments on my life to talk to the sighted person instead of you it's not nice

[@fernandoCremaschi]

some times the second situation happened to me 😂 then people become nice. I will have my cane tomorrow and I am excited to use it 😂 I wonder if we gonna meet one day :)

[@danielledewitt1]

Hope you got long cane training.

[@fernandoCremaschi]

@@danielledewitt1 actually no. No training for me. I know how to use it 👍

[@danielledewitt1]

@@fernandoCremaschi You think? To use one out on your own you have to have training and pass certain test to get signed off to use it on your own.

[@fernandoCremaschi]

@@danielledewitt1 the cane is the extension of my sight. My sight is a mess… I feel natural in use it when I need👍

[@danielledewitt1]

@@fernandoCremaschi I only have sight in my left eye and that’s 2 meters blurred tunnel vision with nystagmus. Regardless of what you say you need to get long cane training. If you were to apply for a guide dog they would insist you had long cane training and if you refused well that would be a straight out no your not having a guide dog.

[@hopefitzwater1613]

Oh my gosh yes a cane is a cane not a stick a stick is something you find outside i cant stand being grabbed and dragged by the arm like a rag doll it happens with like 99% of people i see and ive only had one little girl grab my cane and unfold it i wasnt quite sure how to react to that i just told her it was my white can and i use it to help me feel around because im visually impaired. Have you ever had someone kick your cane? My mom will move her leg where my cane is and kick it and not tell me.