Future Reflections Winter/Spring, Vol. 14 No. 1
CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LONG WHITE CANE:
Instructions in Cane Travel for Blind People
by Thomas Bickford
(c) 1993 National Federation of the Blind, ISBN 0-9624122-7-9
Author Thomas Bickford's faith in the blind traveler to become independentþwith or without the assistance of a good travel teacherþis demonstrated over and over in this sensible, down-to-earth, self-help guide. He draws extensively upon personal experiences (Mr. Bickford is himself blind and a former mobility teacher) to demon-strate to the reader that there is no special difficulty or mystery to traveling independently and safely with a white cane.
"To become an independent traveler,þ he tells the reader "you must, and I believe you can, learn to take care of yourself. The best thing this booklet can do for you is to help you come to the time when you don't need it."
Mr. Bickford begins with the basics- "Getting Yourself Ready," "Getting the Cane Ready," "Actually Walking Around"-and moves on up to more complex travel situations: "Crossing Big, Busy Intersections," "Subways, Escalators, and Elevators," "Picnics, Hiking, and Rough Country." One segment near the end of the book is especially reassuring, "No One Has to do Everything Perfectly."
Although the book targets adults, parents of blind children will find the information extremely valuable. It answers many questions and addresses the fears parents typically have about independent travel.
PRICE:
$2.00 large print
$4.00 cassette tape
$10.00 Braille
One case of 48, large print: $20
Send check or money order payable to the National Federation of the Blind to
Materials Center
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
For more information call (410) 659-9314
EST 12:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.