Even I

My opening article in book fifteen is called "Even I." Here
it is:

EVEN I

Words play a more important part in our daily lives than we sometimes
think. They allow us to communicate with each other with wonderful precision, and they are
one of the principal features that distinguish humans from animals. It is not that words
make us human but that they enhance our humanity.

We Know Who We Are

Part IV: We Know Who We Are--From Confrontation to Emerging Harmony

Under the leadership of Dr. Jernigan, the National Federation of the Blind changed from
a comparatively small organization of the blind into a powerful and mature social and
political force. The techniques to achieve this transformation varied with circumstance.

Kenneth Jernigan: The Master, The Mission, The Movement--Contents

Compiled writings of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan
with editorial introduction and notes on the text

A publication of the
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Copyright 1999 by the National Federation of the Blind
ISBN 1-885218-16-8
All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: The Man Within the Movement

Table of Contents: Walking Alone Marching Together

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE: Acknowledgements & About the Author

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Acknowledgements
Virginia, Ann, and Barbara—my wife and daughters—make my life and work
worthwhile and possible. Here are my love and support.

Dr. Kenneth Jernigan has for me, as for so many others, been my mentor and
guide. He taught me what I know about blindness and showed me that I could live
a full life. He also gave me comments on this booklet.

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE: Author's Introduction

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Author's Introduction

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE: Getting Yourself Ready

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1. Getting Yourself Ready

Why Should I Use This Thing That Makes Me Look Blind?

One of the reasons that makes me qualified to ask this question and offer an answer is
that I asked myself this same question when I got my first cane. When I asked the lady who
sold me the cane in the local agency for the blind, "How do I use it," her
answer was, "Any way you like."

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE: Getting the Cane Ready

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2. Getting the Cane Ready

How Long Should the Cane Be?

I have slowly graduated from a cane that was 42 inches long to a cane that is over 60
inches long. I added a few inches every few years when I bought a new cane. I have not yet
had a cane that was too long. My chin-high cane is barely long enough for me, now. There
are blind people who use canes that reach their eyebrows.

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE: Public Transportation

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4. Public Transportation
Riding Buses and Streetcars

Most trips involve walking at the beginning and end, or even in the middle, so that
many skills are used. You need to have the route, destination, and length of the trip in
mind before you start. While planning your trip, learn the name and/or number of the bus
you want. Buses for different routes may use the same or nearby stops, and you will need
to ask before boarding.

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE: Times and Places without the Usual Landmarks

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5. Times and Places without the Usual Landmarks
Grocery Stores