April 9 - The Shoreline

When my sight first changed, I found that walking in a straight line with my cane could sometimes be difficult.  My mobility instructor suggested that I use the tip of my white cane long the “shoreline.”

I was confused.  At the time we were walking along an inside hallway of a CNIB building. What did Janice mean by the “shoreline”?  She explained that the shoreline was simply the edge of the path. Inside it might be where the carpet meets the wall. Outside it might be where the pavement meets the grass.

I found this suggestion very helpful, although it doesn’t apply everywhere and in all locations. If you are a white cane user you will know that there are many wide surfaces without an obvious shoreline, such as an airport terminal, a shopping plaza, a playground or a park.

I often think of this first white cane mobility lesson when Lyle and I are actually on the shore of the ocean. That is where the following picture was taken.  I am standing on a sandy beach with small waves rippling towards my feet.  The edge is not so clearly defined.  I know I will have “crossed the line” when my feet actually get wet.

 

Sue with white cane at the shorline