Debbie’s Story

“I was kind of apprehensive about the whole cane situation,” Debbie shared. “I knew nothing about mobility training and just purchased a cane off Amazon.”

Debbie tried to get mobility training at an organization in a neighboring suburb. Instead, they referred her to Second Sense. Because of the huge demand we have for mobility training, Debbie had to wait nine months until she could start.

“But, it was worth the wait,” Debbie said.

Mandi, our Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, went out to Debbie’s house for training. Mobility training is very effective when the clients can learn and practice on routes they will actually use.

“Mandi came to my house and assessed me. She then explained the cane in detail. I had no idea there were different sizes and different tips. I thought it was just a ‘blind cane.’ I thought you just got one and started tapping.”

This is a common misconception. Orientation and mobility is a complex set of skills that allow people who are blind or visually impaired to travel safely and efficiently around their homes, their neighborhoods and, ideally, into unfamiliar areas.

“We started working in the house. I had just gone to a party and had trouble going up and down the stairs alone. Mandi taught me the techniques for stairs — one for going up and one for going down.

“While I was learning them, I was kind of skeptical. But, I trust Mandi so I used them for several days. And they worked — especially when I was going down stairs. I texted Mandi, ‘This is the coolest thing. I literally use the down the stairs technique every day!’”

Debbie set three goals at the beginning of training. “My first goal is to walk around my block. It is a really big block, about 1 mile around. Then I want to learn to cross streets. And, finally, I want to take my dog Oliver for a walk.”

Debbie learned the constant contact technique when using her cane. She keeps the tip of the cane in constant contact with the ground, sweeping it from side to side. This will alert her to any obstacles in her path.

She also learned to use the shorelining technique to navigate the rounded corners in her neighborhood. In this technique, Debbie finds the edge of the sidewalk and uses this as a guide around curves.

Then Debbie walked the route to her son’s house, using these two techniques. With Mandi following her to answer questions and help her keep her technique crisp.

“I am catching on very quickly,” Debbie said confidently. “As I am learning each skill, I practice it between lessons. And, Mandi is always teaching me something new!”

“Mandi is God’s gift. I absolutely love her! When you are dealing with a blind person, it is not just about the cane. You have to get that confidence back up. Mandi is energetic, always cheerful and never negative.”

Debbie is now focusing on street crossings. She is learning the route to her local drug store and to the village hall.

With Debbie’s new-found confidence and her determination, we are sure she will accomplish all her goals.

“I am so comfortable with this cane, I don’t even second guess taking it with me. When I walk out that door, I may leave my purse at home, but I always have that cane!”
Thank you for showing Debbie that you believe in her! 