Welcome to White Cane Connections.

My name is Sue Boman. Yes, that’s me in the picture posted here. I have called this blog White Cane Connections because I am one of the many people who use a white cane. I began this blog because I wanted to write about a project I undertook in 2012. The plan was to complete a series of walks using my white cane. Between March and September, I walked in 82 different locations across Canada. So, the blog begins by telling of my experiences and the many people I met along the way.

While this particular journey has now been completed, I find that I still have much to write about. I am continuing to make new white cane connections, and so for the time being I will continue to add regular posts to this blog. I am hoping that you will be a partner in the journey.

Sue


Sunday, 11 November 2012

November 10 - Seeing Things Differently

Although I can’t see print on a page, I still consider myself an avid reader. The books that I read come in audio format. At first it was tricky to get used to the idea of reading as a listening skill instead of a seeing skill, but it is certainly a process that has grown on me. I like the fact that I can “read” while I am doing other things. Judging by the number of audio books that are now available commercially, I know that people with sight are also using this form of reading. For instance, my sister, Jill, who is fully sighted, likes to listen to audio books in her car.


When I first used to listen to read, the CNIB Library used cassette tapes. Before this, there was a time when books were recorded onto 78 LP records. The technology has made considerable advances since then. Now I listen to books in DAISY format that are recorded on a single CD. If I wanted to, I could also download books from my computer. While I confess that I don’t understand the technical process, I am more than pleased with the results.

These days I use a Victor Reader Stream. This handy device is produced by Humanware. I like the logo of this company, See Things. Differently., and I both like and use some of their products.  

The Victor Stream is a recording and play back device and comes in two parts. There is a small black box, or the hardware, and a smaller yet device, which is the player. This latter fits easily in the palm of my hand or even in my pocket. I like that I can store several books at once. This is especially useful when I am travelling. The Stream is also a personal recorder. I can use it to record and play back names, numbers, addresses, lists and other information  in my own voice.  The surface of the Stream has raised tactile buttons with audio feedback so that the device can be used easily by those of us who are print disabled.

If you want to check out the Victor Reader Stream for price and other features, you can do so at:
 
This week I took my Victor Reader Stream to show it to my support group. The picture below shows me demonstrating it to one of the members. 


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