December 30 - Cane Challenges and Sight Seeing

It is nearly time for us to leave Australia, but I thought that I would fill you in on a couple of sight seeing trips that Lyle and I have taken in Sydney. They have definitely provided some challenges with the use of my white cane. 

You might remember my shopping trip on Christmas Eve and how difficult it was to use my cane effectively in the crush of last minute shoppers. Everyone was in a hurry. On the days after Christmas, we encountered more crowds. This time the people were walking at a more leisurely pace. There were tourists galore and they were in holiday mode. This meant that they walked slowly, gazed around at unfamiliar sights, stopped suddenly to take pictures, often walked in large groups, and were generally happy, but were unpredictable in their movements. This all made it quite tricky for Lyle to guide me through a clear path.

Of course, we also went to some of the popular tourist spots. One of these was Bondi Beach and another was the Gap at the South Head of Sydney Harbour. Both of these involved walks on uneven steps of irregular heights. The walk from Bondi to Bronte and the walk around the Gap both offered spectacular views and I was not going to be left behind for either excursion. Both walks involved winding paths interspersed with steep steps often without handrails. Jen and Lyle were great in helping me through and although the walks were definitely worthwhile, I was very tired by the time the day was over.  I think the higher concentration level required by people with low or no vision definitely uses more energy than it does for people who are fully sighted. 

Speaking of variations of sight, I am so glad that I could once see and also that I still have some sight. Although I can’t actually see the distant horizon that separates sea and sky, on the sunny day when we walked between Bondi and Bronte, I could fairly easily distinguish the darker colour of the ocean and the lighter brighter blue overhead. The air tasted salty and the breeze blew gently in our faces. I thoroughly recommend sight seeing to anyone – even when you might not be able to actually “see” the sights. 

Below are two pictures. The first picture shows me clambering from some uneven rock to the first of two uneven steps. The second shows me inching down a narrow staircase with a view of the steep cliff and ocean in the background. 

December 28 - Christmas in Australia

I must apologise for the lack of posts over the past ten days. You might think that it was because of Christmas activities, but actually it was all because of technical difficulties with the Internet. The technology challenges we have experienced while travelling has made us even more appreciative of the ease of coping with computers and the Internet we experience when we are home.

Lyle and I are now in Sydney where we have spent a wonderful few days with family. We have also spent time trekking around the various sights of the city itself. The harbour is one of the most beautiful in the world and if I can say with only a minor amount of bias perhaps the most wonderful. However, at this holiday time of year, many, many people were also out and about to enjoy the area with us. It was challenging to use my cane in the crowds.

I don’t think that I have successfully mastered the art of using my cane in a crowd. Sometimes I think that I might just use Lyle’s arm to guide me, but then I come to unexpected slopes, dips, bumps and steps and I miss the safety and anticipation that the cane provides. 

The crowds of people were especially thick on Christmas Eve when we decided to visit the downtown core of the city and experience some of the last minute shopping frenzy. I have added a picture of Lyle and myself taken in the Queen Victoria Building, a large complex leading from the underground rail station to the upper streets. My sister, Jill, raced ahead to snap the photo of us. I’m not sure that my white cane is even visible in the picture, being swallowed up by the throngs around us. Because of the mass of people and the speed at which everyone seemed to be walking, I doubt that my cane served as identifying me as visually impaired either. It was interesting experience but one that I didn’t repeat for the Boxing Day sales two days later. 

December 19 - The Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is located about an hour’s drive north of Sydney and in turn, approximately a thirty minute drive from where we are staying. Of course, it had to be part of our tourist itinerary for Jen and Andrew. Generally speaking, zoos and wildlife parks hold only moderate appeal for me.  Animals in pens and cages are too far away for me to see.  

Fortunately I haven’t always been visually impaired and I have a good recollection of what I used to be able to see. Thus, when Lyle tells me what he is seeing, I tend to visualize the same picture in my mind. I am glad of this

When we visited The Australian Reptile Park, I was prepared for a similar experience. I knew that I wouldn’t be close enough to the snakes, the spiders, the wombat or the dingoes. Indeed, this was the case.  However, I wasn’t prepared for what I did see. And I was very pleasantly surprised.

The first good surprise was at the pen of the Tasmanian Devils. The two animals were very active and right away I could glimpse their movement. We also heard the loud screeching, barking sound they made. They are fascinating creatures. Unfortunately the species is heading towards extinction as its population is being decimated by a contagious face cancer.

Surprise number two was at the koala enclosure. Jen and Andrew paid a small fee to have their picture taken with a koala and Lyle and I were also allowed to be part of this experience. We were able to stroke the soft thick fur of both an adult koala and a ten month old baby. I’m glad that Jen and Andrew chose the koala for the picture taking experience because their other choice was a pose with a python.

The final surprise was just as we were about to leave the park. We walked by the pen containing the echidna. Well, it was supposed to contain the echidna, but as we approached the fence, we saw that the small animal had escaped and was wandering around on top of the low fence. While Jen ran off to find a wildlife keeper, I was able to get my first close up look at this small spiny animal.  To this point, I had never seen a living echidna because they are so well camouflaged.

 Today at The Australian Reptile Park was a great day!

December 18 - A Lazy Week

This past week has been a lazy one for me and I have enjoyed it. It has been a real holiday. One week ago, Jen and Andrew arrived in Australia and Lyle and I have delighted in showing them around the Central Coast area just north of Sydney. Mostly I enjoyed our long walks on the beach. I think that I especially enjoyed these walks because I was able to leave my white cane behind.

When I walk in unfamiliar territory, on uneven ground or steps, or in crowds of people, my cane is a tool and a necessity. When I walk on the sand with Lyle by my side, the cane is more of a nuisance. Yes, there are hazards on the beach – dried seaweed and small shells and sea creatures washed up by the tide, an occasional fisherman setting out his line into the surf, holes and castles built by children, small children themselves and even dogs running about, and so on. However, when I am with Lyle on the wide expanse of sand, there is ample time to warn me of these obstacles. 

Last week I also tried a walk by myself and it was not so pleasant. I narrowly avoided stepping in a large hole and was splashed by a larger than usual wave which came to the top of my thigh. I have great admiration for my friend, Peter, who is completely without sight but walks the length of the sand each day with only his white cane as a guide. 

Good on you, mate! 

December 8 - Vision Australia, Part Three

Probably one of the most interesting parts of our time at Vision Australia was a conversation with the three person employment team. I am grateful to Deena, John and Anju for taking the time to explain their role as employment consultants for the organization.

Unemployment and underemployment are difficult challenges faced by many people, but especially so for those who are blind or partially sighted. Many employers are unwilling to take a chance with someone who is not fully sighted. Another part of the problem is that youngsters coming out of school or adults who are newly blinded or visually impaired might be unsure of a career path or perhaps are lacking in skills or confidence to pursue a career goal. The aim of the employment team is to work with the client to overcome these hurdles. Clients must be prepared to put in the initial groundwork to be assured of successful employment.

John put it fairly succinctly when he stated that any business is in the business of making money. Employers want to hire staff who will enable them to achieve that goal.  Businesses are not charity organisations and the employment team at Vision Australia aspires to prepare job candidates to compete on an even footing with other sighted and able applicants. A key element to achieve an employment goal is that the client must be motivated to get beyond doing nothing. It is very easy for anyone to get into the habit of doing nothing when nothing is required of them.

In order to achieve success the different branches of Vision Australia must work as a team. Before serious training for a career can begin, the client must possess certain basic skills. Is the individual able to get himself or herself to and from the work place?  If not, further training with the orientation and mobility instructors is required. Is the client able to take care of his or her daily needs, such as dressing appropriately and preparing a lunch to take to work? If not, further training in daily living skills may be required. Is the client able to handle efficiently any accommodation tools that might be needed for the job or would further instruction be needed?  Is the client able to write a resume and present well at an interview?  This is where the employment consultants assist.

What I really liked about the proactive stance of the employment team was their philosophy of early intervention. Again John explained. He said that the best plan was to work with a student at least a year before that student was to leave school. That was the time to start developing a career plan. No employer likes to see a gap in a resume with years of doing nothing. The team encourages clients to be doing something – if not an actual paid job, then at least something that might eventually lead to  paid full time employment. The client might pursue volunteer work, further studies or job training or part time work.

I was encouraged by both the enthusiasm and dedication shown by Deena, John and Anju. Congratulations on the success you are having with your program.  Congratulations also to the blind and partially sighted clients who have persevered and continue to persevere with the program and services offered by the employment counselling teams of Vision Australia.  Well done to you all!

As we were leaving the office, Deena gave us a DVD about Employment Counselling Services. It is one that I highly recommend, but unfortunately is only available in PAL, the Australian video format. The DVD gives a brief glimpse into the working lives of three young men. Hamish lost his sight in an accident but is now a full time employee of the ANZ Bank, working as the Global Technology Accessibility Manager.  Andrew began to lose his sight when he was already employed as a butcher with Dench Meat and Chicken. With accommodations and support from both his employer and Vision Australia, he has been able to continue working in the same area. Christopher has been blind since birth and has a fulltime position as a call centre associate with D & B Call Centre. 

All three young men are working to their potential and are excellent role models.  Employment Services at Vision Australia provides advice, training, support and technology to help blind or visually impaired people to find and keep a job.  You find more information on the Vision Australia website.

December 6 – Vision Australia, Part Two

About ten years ago when I was in Sydney, I visited the Enfield head Office of Vision Australia. I remember being very impressed by the recording studio and the children`s area, so when Rolf asked if there was anything in particular I would like to see on this visit, you can guess my answer. I was quite disappointed when he told me that the recording studio had been moved to Melbourne.  Both the recording and distribution of audio books had been moved to the one central location.  Perhaps a visit to the Melbourne office will need to be on the itinerary of my next Australian visit.

However, we were able to see the children`s area and as luck would have it, it was not in use on the afternoon of my visit so I was able to explore the interior more thoroughly. Rolf kept Echo on the outside of the gate. He said that Echo would have had even more fun than the children had he been allowed to go inside.

I had fun too. One of my first discoveries was the pathway of floor tiles with different textures and colours. I tested these with my cane and also got down on my hands and knees to feel the differences. There were multiple toys, a slide, a small climbing apparatus and a tunnel.

One of the areas that really caught my attention was a rack of different kinds of gate latches. Behind each latch was a compartment with a small toy inside. What a great tactile teaching tool!  The whole centre was an area of tactile fun and sensory stimulation.

As we moved further down the hallway, Rolf opened another door to a storage room. This room contained more toys and equipment. The items in the children’s area were rotated regularly so that it stayed new and exciting for its young users.  As we continued to discuss the role of children’s services, Rolf informed me that the youngest client to come in to the Enfield office was only fourteen days old.  I guess that it is never too soon to start with an early intervention program.

Following are two pictures. The first shows me kneeling beside the coloured tactile tiles. The second shows me in front of some of the other play equipment. 

December 4 - Vision Australia, Part One

Today Lyle and I took the train to Sydney to visit the national headquarters of Vision Australia. Actually, we caught a bus, then the train and then another bus to get from our rental unit north of Sydney to the Sydney suburb of Enfield where the main office of Vision Australia is located. I find that travelling by public transport is relatively easy in Sydney. In my experience, the bus drivers have always been helpful, and on the trains upcoming stops are announced. Announcements are also made on the various station platforms. For the most part, I have found that other travellers are respectful of the use of my white cane.

I had called ahead to arrange my time at Vision Australia and Rolf and his guide dog, Echo, were ready for us when Lyle and I arrived. The trip to the centre had taken just over two hours and I was awed when Rolf told me he did a similar trip by train and bus each day to and from work. That is certainly a long daily commute. In his previous life, as I like to say, Rolf had been a pastry chef but when his sight changed he knew that he needed to shift his career focus. That was his first connection with Vision Australia as a client, and now he is employed by the organization as Volunteer Coordinator.

We began our tour with the store. I wasn’t surprised to see many of the same gadgets, devices and tools that are also available in Canada through the CNIB.  In many instances, the CNIB and Vision Australia use the same suppliers. I was surprised however to see exactly the same set of audible bathroom scales that I use in my own bathroom at home. When were shown a display case of Braille, audible, and a large dial watches, our guide pulled one out to show us.  We were all amazed and amused to see that it was exactly the same one as the one I was wearing – bought at a CNIB store in Alberta. 

From the store we headed downstairs to the central call centre. The people who seek the services of Vision Australia are encouraged to call the toll free number so that they can be directed to the appropriate person or department. This was the same number I had called to set up the appointment for my tour.  This central call system does have certain advantages to be sure, but there are also kinks to be worked through. As does Canada, Australia covers more than one time zone. Canada`s central system is in Toronto. In both cases, this means that when the call centre in the east is closed for the day, there may still be clients in the west who need to make contact.

Now, there is more than I can write about our visit in one post, so I am going to make this Part One, and conclude with a picture of me standing beside Rolf and his four-year old black lab, Echo. 

November 29 - Now you see me....Now you don’t!

Sometimes when I am using my white cane I feel as if I stand out from the crowd like a sore thumb. At other times I feel as if I am disappearing into the woodwork.  An instance of this latter feeling resurfaced on our flight between Vancouver and Sydney.

In most ways, the fifteen and a half hour flight was as good as could be expected. The one instance of invisibility occurred right before take-off. Lyle and I had been seated separately on the flight. The arrangement wasn’t ideal but not too terrible either.  However, just as I was settling in I noticed one of the flight crew having a whispered conversation with Lyle. I was idly curious and afterwards asked him what was going on.

Apparently, the flight attendant had been asking Lyle if I needed a pre-flight safety briefing.  Here I was, sitting just a few seats away, and she was asking him this question!

I find this kind of response to my white cane both puzzling and irritating. Obviously the flight attendant had seen my cane and recognized its significance. What she failed to do was to recognize that as the cane user, I was a person who was perfectly capable of speaking for myself. It was as if I had suddenly donned the Harry Potter cloak of invisibility.

I am always mildly annoyed when others address my guide as if I was not present. Along the same line, sometimes other people will answer a question on my behalf when it has been directed to me. 

I know that I am super sensitive about this issue and I try to remind myself that these responses are basically well intentioned, and fortunately occur fairly infrequently. I try to take a deep breath and relax knowing that people are just trying to act in what they believe to be my best interests. I try to educate by example.  My interactions must always be with the person directly, and not with the accompanying guide.

Lyle and I have now settled in to our rental unit about an hour north of Sydney and in my next post I hope to write more about our experiences here.

November 23 - Travelling With Assistance

When I travel alone, I don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This doesn’t mean that I abandon all personal responsibility for my safety - in fact, quite the opposite.  Because I cannot see the print on signs of any kind, I find that I must be even more aware of where I am and what is happening around me.

While I have never had any problems when I have travelled with assistance, I have heard the usual horror stories from other blind or visually impaired travellers. Once in the Calgary Airport, my friend who travels with a guide dog was led to a seat on the wrong plane. It so happened that on the same day there was another woman also travelling with a guide dog and somehow the ground staff confused the two. Fortunately the error was discovered before take-off.  

So, what can you do to reduce the possibility of mix-ups? First, I familiarize myself with my flight numbers, departure times and seat numbers. Because I don’t read Braille, I take a small audible player where I have recorded the information I need. When I walk with my guide, I repeat this information. Sometimes I tell my guide a little bit about myself and either compliment him or her on the manner in which I am being guided, or if that isn’t appropriate, I might give the guide a quick lesson.

If I am to be left in a gate area for any length of time, I usually ask where the nearest washroom facility is. I might ask to be taken there so that I have some idea of the location in case there aren’t any staff around to ask later on. If there is to be a long wait between connecting flights, I will ask where I can walk around. It is too easy for someone who has little vision to simply sit and wait. It’s important for leg circulation to move about where possible.

I think that this is also the time to mention hand luggage. I nearly always take along a little lunch or snack. Well, that’s probably a good idea for anyone these days. The airlines don’t feed their passengers like they used to. Lunch from home is healthier than fast food and way more convenient too. If you are travelling with assistance, there is rarely time to stop at any of the food outlets, so having your own food along makes sense.

Travelling with assistance means that you get pre-boarding privileges. You will be shown to your seat before the other passengers start on board. If the flight attendant offers to give you a personal safety briefing, don’t refuse the offer. It is likely just as important to the flight attendant as it is to you to be reminded of the procedures. Be sure to ask where the call button is in case you need it during the flight.

Travelling with assistance doesn’t end when the plane has landed. If you wait until other passengers have disembarked a new guide will take you to the luggage carousel and wait with you until you are on your way. I am always grateful for this.  

So, although things can go wrong, more often flying with assistance is a smooth and easy ride.

November 21 - Come Fly with Me

This year, Lyle and I are going to Australia for Christmas. I have family there, and so we have made the trip many times in the past although travelling over Christmas is unusual for us. I have also made the trip several times on my own. In this vein then, I thought that I would make the next few posts about travel tips and travel experiences. I hope that you will join me on my journey. Come fly with me!

Let’s start with packing! I like to pack carefully, early on, and take only the essentials. Most times I am able to fit everything into one suitcase even if it is one that Lyle and I share. With practice, I have become a fairly economical packer. This works well especially when I reach my destination. The less “stuff” I have, the easier it is to sort through.

When my suitcase is ready, I put on a distinctive luggage strap, some stickers on the cover, a name-tag, and whatever else I think will make my suitcase stand out from others on the carousel. This doesn’t mean that I will be able to recognize the suitcase myself when it comes tumbling down with the dozens of others, but it certainly makes life easier for whomever is assisting me.  Even if I can’t see the colour of my luggage, it is important to remember the descriptive details to help out my travel guide.

I always ask for assistance when I am travelling alone. I remember a time early on when my sight was somewhat better than it is today. I had decided that in the cause of independence I didn’t need help. It was a big mistake. I did make it through security but I couldn’t find my gate. Everyone seemed to be rushing by me so quickly that I couldn’t see them in time to stop them and ask for help. I learned from that experience. Asking for assistance, a service that the airlines seem happy to provide, is merely another tool that I can use to continue to travel independently – and in case you are wondering, I always use my white cane in an airport.

November 20 - Lessons Learned

When my sight first changed, one of the lessons I tried to learn was to put everything I used back in its proper place.  I’m not a particularly tidy person by nature so the lesson has been a difficult one. In fact, I know that I haven’t quite mastered it yet. I have just spent the better part of an afternoon looking for two small items – a glasses case and a pair of travel socks.

Putting things where they belong is a good practice for anyone, but for people who don’t see or who don’t see very well, the practice becomes one of necessity. IF you can see, it is a simple matter to check out the items on a counter top or visually confirm the contents of a cupboard or drawer. Relying on touch is a different story. Locating something by feel only works if you have some idea of its position to start with. If my keys, glasses, wallet, et cetera, are all in their usual place, I can find them in an instant. Today’s frustrating search for misplaced items was a good reminder that I cannot depend on sight so I must keep my belongings in order.

November 12 - Remembering

Yesterday was Remembrance Day and Lyle and I went to the service at our local Legion. In between the singing, the speeches, the laying of the wreaths, and the moments of silence, I was also reminded of the beginnings of the CNIB – The Canadian National Institute for the Blind. These days the agency prefers to be known as simply CNIB. This change in name reflects the more encompassing nature of the agency, as it offers services not only to those who are blind but also to those who experience low vision.

However, this wasn’t how the CNIB had its foundation.  In 1918, returning WWI veterans blinded in the battle were looking for   rehabilitation and employment retraining Services.  Edwin A. Baker, himself a veteran who had lost his sight during the course of the war, had experienced this training at the S.T. Dunstan’s Rehabilitation Centre in England. He brought back this philosophy of independence for blind adults to Canada. Together with six other Canadians he worked to establish a national organization that would portray this image of independence for blind Canadians.  

This past summer when Lyle and I walked in Kingston, Ontario, we met at the CNIB office. The office was located in a beautiful heritage building and our group gathered in the reception area. Hanging over the mantel was a large portrait of Colonel Baker. What a fitting tribute! I know that there are other references to Colonel Baker throughout CNIB, but I was especially moved to be able to start the Kingston walk under the gaze of the founder of the organization that has had such an impact on the lives of so many Canadians who are either blind or partially sighted.

IF you wish, you can check out the CNIB website at:

www.cnib.ca