Today’s challenge was not so much concerned with sight as it was to do with the wind. Thanks to the brave souls – family, friends, CNIB staff and AMI media who braved the breeze. When we gathered at the steps of the Legislative Building, there were five of us using our white canes. Others in the group had come along either as sighted guides or just to add encouragement and support.
As we set off from the steps for an initial walk around the pond, we hit another challenge. It was a working day in the city and construction barred our path in a few instances. On the third encounter with the construction, we also needed to turn our backs to the dust kicked up by the wind.
I am noting the wind and the construction for a reason. When I am walking, I find that even with partial sight I need to concentrate on what I am doing and where I am. The wind and the construction were both added distractions. Today I walked with a sighted guide by my side and I was glad of it.
Today was also a day for catching up with friends. There was Bert – my first ever contact with CNIB and now a friend for the past 25 years. There was Janice who gave me my first lessons in mobility in the city using my white cane. Lastly, there was Carrie who encouraged me to use JAWS, the audible screen reading program on my computer. Today, Carrie was the reporter in the interview with AMI (Accessible Media Inc.) which took place prior to the walk.
What a great reunion!
Sounds like you had challenges but meeting with old friends makes the challenges seem small.
ReplyDeleteDorothy