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


Wednesday, 22 March 2023

March 22 - White Cane Beginners

The other day I was speaking with a woman who, with her recent vision loss, was learning how to use a white cane.  Our conversation took me back to my own early experiences with the use of my white cane.  These beginning days and experiences were accompanied with varying emotions.

Although it is many years ago now, I remember one instance quite vividly.  I was staying with friends in the city.  While they were at work during the day, I decided to exert my independence and take my white cane for a walk around the block.

It was one of my first times to take such a step, and I was nervous.  Just as I closed the front gate behind me, I heard a youngster across the street shout out in a loud mocking tone,  “Look!  There’s a blind guy….a blind guy….a blind guy!”

I was pretty agitated by these bullying taunts.  Should I go back inside or just keep walking?  Then I heard a second voice.  The first boy’s friend had also noticed me.  “You fool,” he said, “that’s not a guy, it’s a girl!”

I relaxed and almost smiled at the absurdity of it all.  I was a grown woman and hadn’t been called “a girl” for years.  I determined not to let the taunts bother me.

I remembered all this as I spoke with the friend at the beginning of this story.  The beginning steps with a white cane aren’t always easy.  Bravo to those who step out with the courage to be different. Below is a picture of me with my white cane.
 
Sue with her white cane

 
 
 

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