NOAH AOC

For those of us who don't like to carry a white mobility cane or the yellow ID cane, this web site might be of interest. www.checkeredeye.com .

  I was actually going to try and make my daughter a pin.   Even at the stores people have a tendecy to almost run her over since they are expecting her to yield.  This would be helpful in public crowded areas for her

Thank you Morana..

OK, I'm going to fan the flames a bit here, and hopefully not make any enemies!

First, .let me say that I don't LIKE carrying an identification cane.  I doubt that anyone does!  I just got my first one (here in the US ID canes are white, with a red tip, just like the longer mobility canes, it is just a size difference) about a month ago, and while I have taken it with me when I have gone into uncharted waters, I haven't needed to use it yet.  I will when I need to, that is for srue.

Yes, a cane is more conspicuous than a pin or patch.  That is the point!  Persons with low vision complain that buses don't notice their cane and don't stop, how do they expect a speeding bus to see a one or two inch (Yes those are the sizes, I checked the site) emblem? 

In the United States, there are laws on the books regarding persons carrying canes.  They are part of the drivers manuals you must study in order to get a driver's license--at least here in Wisconsin it is.  The cane offers you some protection. A driver can't say "I didn't know she couldn't see", because the cane is quite visible.  A pin or patch on the other hand would at this point give you no legal recourse if you ser somehow injured by a moving vehicle, or had to take on the bus company for failing to stop for you.  It takes constant reminders to keep these laws enforced properly, and introducing another method of identification will just add confusion to the mix.

But really, this is about my personal take on the matter.  I see wearing a pin or patch that says low vision is like being labeled.  It is like saying "Look at me, I'm blind!"  Some may say a mobility or ID cane is the same, but it is not.  A cane is a tool, just like glasses, sunglasses, magnifiers, monoculars, and bioptics.  It helps a person to 'see' their environment.  OK, so most who use an ID cane don't use it as such, but I personally wouldn't hesitate to stick it out to investigate if I thought there was a tripping hazard! 

I would be mortified to wear a pin around!  Besides, it's size is so small most people won't stop to read it!  One or one and a half inch pins or a two inch patch!  Then put the print in that--a person in a hurry will never notice. 

Sorry, I just don't see it.  I guess I'll just be conspicuous--hey with the white hair and eyelashes and stuff I stand out anyways!

Joni

Joni, I was really contemplating that and I know it is a personal decision.  I had wrestled with myself about it, I just was having problems literally labeling my child.  But being a preschooler I was hoping Alexis might forgive me if I put it on her sun hat or something for her safety.  If I am pushing a grocery cart or stroller there are those moments when people practically run her over.  We might do Disney for our 15 year anniversary but was really worried about her getting hurt.  Until she navigates, listens, and understands better.  I was kind of hoping to do it without her being aware,although I do not know that I can explain why. 

Roxanne,

I am new to this, so I thought that I could share my opinion as somebody that is new to the world of visual impairment an has never heard of the checkered flag project.

This sounds like a good ideal, but I know that I don't really take the time to read buttons on people that are walking by and I am not sure that I would even notice it on Lexi if she walked by me at Disney World or in the shopping mall, etc if I wasn't specifically looking for it.

I don't know if others feel this way or not but I just don't think that I would even notice.

I hope that this  helps, but again I am really new to this.

Vickie

 Joni, I totally agree with you. I hate anything that makes me "stand out". I never want to be labeled, i just want to be treated like any other person. When I was growing up, I chose to copy my friends notes in school than use a bioptic to read the board. 

Of course, now that I'm getting older and not feeling AS self conscience... (is that the right spelling for it?)  about using tools to help me get around, I do use a monoculer. It's the only thing i use. It has never crossed my mind to get an indicator cane, but with the buses i guess it would be easier...I just don't want to be treated differently.

I'd rather use a cane before I wore a pin stating my blindness. At least the cane could help me in new areas. Steps are always really hard to see. I've always taken them slowly. The pin is really poorly designed too. It looks more like a soccer ball  or an optical illusion. This is also something that must be very new because I had never heard of it before.

Roxanne, how old is your daughter? I went to Disney World when I was 4 and 8, and I did just fine. It was more fun when I was 8 because I was taller and could go on the kiddie rides and big kid rides. My parents also used my vision as an advantage. My mom would bring me up to the person in charge of letting groups into the shows they have there, and tell her about my vision. It got us io cut the whole line AND get front row seats :) Is she really short? Pin or not, low vision or not, little kids can just be hard to see sometimes :)

I mean, this is just my opinion on the pin. Personally, i wouldn't use it. maybe it could help someone else, i don't know...

~Megs 

She is 3 and quite tall for her age.  We are really excited about going with kids this time.  I usually have her brother walk next to her if I am pushing or carrying something and he follows my direction.(he is so great with her)  She is quite often scared but if she gets used to a place or other children she starts running ahead and someone smacks into her or almost does.  Once she gets older I am sure it will not be such an issue.   I am hoping to get her up front and shelter during waiting for my son he has albinism but his vision isnt bad just slight nystagmus and photophobia, but he gets sick in the sun.  We will figure it out I guess and have a ball!  I cannot wait.