New seminar in DeafBlind history!
Dear everyone, John here: ? I am pleased to announce a new three-week email-group seminar, “Before Helen Keller: Hidden DeafBlind Histories, 1850-1903.” It has been argued that most communities’ historical periods—during which enduring discourses and habits are set into cyclical motion—tend to be brief. The DeafBlind community’s period of formation is no exception. It unfolded with astonishing speed, and a literature emerged immediately. The course brings us into contact with key primary sources that tell us this remarkable story. ? Everyone is welcome to consider joining us on this adventure! Continuing Education Units are available for members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. ? Dates: April 1-19, 2024 ? RID CEUs: 3.0 ? Reigstration fee: $250 ? Registration deadline: March 20, or when full ? Description: ? This discussion-intensive seminar is an introduction to early DeafBlind community history, primarily through writings left behind by DeafBlind people. When and how did the community begin to form? How did early DeafBlind historical figures articulate their identities? What affordances did they seize on to launch networks? Several concepts will help us attempt to listen to the understories that have long eluded hearing and sighted historians. These include distantism, deaf-blind associations, retroactive reading, Emerson’s “perspiration,” Whitehead’s “attack,” and Manning’s “bodying worlds, worlding bodies.” ? Instructor: ? John Lee Clark is a DeafBlind poet, essayist, historian, translator, and Protactile educator. His collection of poems “How to Communicate” won the Minnesota Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. His latest book, “Touch the Future: A Manifesto in Essays,” is the first book coming out of the Protactile movement to be published. He makes a home in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his partner, the ASL Deaf artist Adrean Clark, their three kids, and two cats. ? To apply: ? Contact me at jlc@... ? Interpretek is an approved RID Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. The seminar is offered for 3.0 CEUs in Professional Studies. No prior knowledge is required. ? Feel free to spread the word.? Thank you! ? Looking forward to digging together— John ?
|
Re: Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 2:19?PM Kerrigan, Patricia via <pkerrigan= [email protected]> wrote: Yes, congratulations Freda!?
P. Maurie Kerrigan
Orientation and Mobility Specialist COMS
Low Vision Therapist CLVT
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
801 Market St., 6th floor, Suite 6034, Philadelphia, PA 19107
cell 215-268-2872
pkerrigan@...
________________________________
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Coby Livingstone via <coby.livingstone=[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 3:12 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: O&M AER listserv <oandm@...>; AER EAC <aer-eac@...>
Subject: [External] Re: [OandM] Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
ATTENTION: This email message is from an external sender. Do not open links or attachments from unknown senders. To report suspicious email, use the Report Phishing button in Outlook. <<>>
?Congratulations!
Thank you.
?Coby livingstone
> On Feb 9, 2024, at 1:05?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
>
> ?Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
>
> It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA.? Way to go!
>
> -- Dona
> -------------------------------
>
> Dona Sauerburger, COMS
> Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
> ahttps://
>
>
>
>
>
|
Re: sexual abuse and molestation insurance?
Thank you, Dona! I’m in a similar situation as Maya - except it’s to become a vendor for a state agency.
Really appreciate your advice!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 9, 2024, at 4:15?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
?
How strange, Maya!? Kind of gives me the creeps, don't know why,
I'll have to think about that.
Anyway, Tim Grover at <tim@...> may be
able to find something for you -- he is the broker who's been
finding professional liability policies for those of us who are
not satisfied with the one offered through AER, and as a broker he
actually has many insurance agencies to shop around for.?? If he
can't find what you want, I'd bet anything that it doesn't exist.
-- Dona
Hi
folks, I have a question for my fellow independent
contractors out there.
I work for myself, not an
agency. I’ve always had professional liability insurance,
and that’s been enough for all of the school districts I’ve
ever worked for. I was approached about doing a contract
with a new school district, and they are requiring
comprehensive liability insurance, sexual abuse and
molestation insurance, as well as Professional liability
insurance. Which I’m happy to get, but for the life of me, I
can’t find an insurance agency that offers the levels that
they are requiring that aren't prohibitively expensive. Has
anyone found an insurance company that will provide sexual
abuse and molestation insurance for an individual education
contractor for the following levels?
Sexual Abuse and Molestation
Insurance limits of $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000
Aggregate.
As well as Comprehensive or
Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of at
least $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate.
(note, I’ve easily found comprehensive, the challenge is the
sexual abuse Insurance at that high level.)
I have found a stand alone
sexual abuse and molestation insurance policy that is $5500
year, which is prohibitively high. There has got to be
something more affordable out there. Any suggestions? I have
tried FTJ, hiscox, hub, next insurance, and countless
others, to no avail. I live in California.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Maya
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: sexual abuse and molestation insurance?
How strange, Maya!? Kind of gives me the creeps, don't know why,
I'll have to think about that.
Anyway, Tim Grover at <tim@...> may be
able to find something for you -- he is the broker who's been
finding professional liability policies for those of us who are
not satisfied with the one offered through AER, and as a broker he
actually has many insurance agencies to shop around for.?? If he
can't find what you want, I'd bet anything that it doesn't exist.
-- Dona
Hi
folks, I have a question for my fellow independent
contractors out there.
I work for myself, not an
agency. I’ve always had professional liability insurance,
and that’s been enough for all of the school districts I’ve
ever worked for. I was approached about doing a contract
with a new school district, and they are requiring
comprehensive liability insurance, sexual abuse and
molestation insurance, as well as Professional liability
insurance. Which I’m happy to get, but for the life of me, I
can’t find an insurance agency that offers the levels that
they are requiring that aren't prohibitively expensive. Has
anyone found an insurance company that will provide sexual
abuse and molestation insurance for an individual education
contractor for the following levels?
Sexual Abuse and Molestation
Insurance limits of $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000
Aggregate.
As well as Comprehensive or
Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of at
least $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate.
(note, I’ve easily found comprehensive, the challenge is the
sexual abuse Insurance at that high level.)
I have found a stand alone
sexual abuse and molestation insurance policy that is $5500
year, which is prohibitively high. There has got to be
something more affordable out there. Any suggestions? I have
tried FTJ, hiscox, hub, next insurance, and countless
others, to no avail. I live in California.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Maya
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
sexual abuse and molestation insurance?
Hi folks, I have a question for my fellow independent contractors out there.
I work for myself, not an agency. I’ve always had professional liability insurance, and that’s been enough for all of the school districts I’ve ever worked for. I was approached about doing a contract with a new school district, and they are requiring comprehensive liability insurance, sexual abuse and molestation insurance, as well as Professional liability insurance. Which I’m happy to get, but for the life of me, I can’t find an insurance agency that offers the levels that they are requiring that aren't prohibitively expensive. Has anyone found an insurance company that will provide sexual abuse and molestation insurance for an individual education contractor for the following levels?
Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance limits of $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate.
As well as Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate. (note, I’ve easily found comprehensive, the challenge is the sexual abuse Insurance at that high level.)
I have found a stand alone sexual abuse and molestation insurance policy that is $5500 year, which is prohibitively high. There has got to be something more affordable out there. Any suggestions? I have tried FTJ, hiscox, hub, next insurance, and countless others, to no avail. I live in California.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Maya
|
Re: Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
Yes, congratulations Freda!? P. Maurie Kerrigan Orientation and Mobility Specialist COMS Low Vision Therapist CLVT Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services 801 Market St., 6th floor, Suite 6034, Philadelphia, PA 19107 cell 215-268-2872 pkerrigan@... ________________________________ From: [email protected] < [email protected]> on behalf of Coby Livingstone via groups.io <coby.livingstone@...> Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 3:12 PM To: [email protected] < [email protected]> Cc: O&M AER listserv <oandm@...>; AER EAC <aer-eac@...> Subject: [External] Re: [OandM] Congratulations, Freda Tepfer! ATTENTION: This email message is from an external sender. Do not open links or attachments from unknown senders. To report suspicious email, use the Report Phishing button in Outlook. <<>> Congratulations! Thank you. Coby livingstone On Feb 9, 2024, at 1:05?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
?Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA. Way to go!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
a
|
Re: Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
Congratulations!
Thank you.
Coby livingstone
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 9, 2024, at 1:05?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
?Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA. Way to go!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
awww.sauerburger.org
|
Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA.? Way to go!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
awww.sauerburger.org
|
visual motor activities for a visually impaired toddler
Hello all? I understand this may be a little off topic but I have a toddler who is delayed in visual motor activities e.g. using markers, identifying pictures, etc. She also has severe depth perception problems. She has vision in one eye only. She also has a very short attention span. I would greatly appreciate any sources for appropriate activities to develop visual motor skills and depth perception for this little one.??
thank you so much
Rosemary Gribbin
|
Registration now open for Bravo Summer Camps in NC
Registration is now open for Bravo Summer Camps!
We have two camps available this summer:? our Bravo Asheville Day Camp (July 15-19) and our Bravo Nantahala Adventure Camp (July 21-25).? You can find out more at .? Details about our celebrated Adventure Camp are also posted below.
Bravo Nantahala Adventure Camp
Where:? Nantahala Gorge, near Bryson City, North Carolina
When: Sunday, July 21 through Thursday, July 25, 2024
What: An overnight outdoor adventure camp for kids who are blind or have a significant visual impairment, and who are ready to stretch their legs and hit the trail.? We plan to hike, raft, climb, swim, and zip in and around the Nantahala Gorge in Western North Carolina.? We’ll stay in the Group Lodge at Wildwater Nantahala, and spend some time at the Nantahala Outdoor Center too.? There are 12 spaces available for the 2024 camp.
Who: ?Campers are rising 9-12 graders with blindness or low vision.? Instructors include certified Teachers for the Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialists, along with a few other adventurous souls, both blind and sighted.? 2024 is our ninth year hosting an outdoor adventure camp for the blind.
You can learn more about our eligibility guidelines and registration process at
Contact: ?For more information, contact Jay Hardwig at jay@... (preferred) or by calling or texting or 828-335-1136.
?
-- Jay Hardwig, MA, COMS, NBCT Executive Director BRAVO: Blue Ridge Adventures ~ Vision Optional
|
Registration for Feb 20 webinar Understanding Modern Signals
Hi everyone!? Registration for the webinar I told you about last
week (described below) is ready.?
If you are an AER member, you can . ??
If you're not an AER member, you can register by
contacting Tiffany McCoy at tiffany@... and set
up an account.? As I understand it, there is no cost, but if you
want ACVREP credit you'll need to pay unless you are an AER
member.
Here is the description:
----------------------------------------------------
Join
us on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET.
?
Title:
Understanding Modern Signals?
?
Description:
Through an interactive presentation, learners will gain an
understanding of modern traffic signals and the practical skills
and concepts our students need to effectively navigate
intersections that use them.?
?
Earn 1.5
continuing education credits, available through ACVREP!
?
Presenters:
Dona Sauerburger, Jack Mitchell, and JoAnne Chalom
?
Learning
Objectives:
?
1. Learners will
be able to understand how signal traffic patterns are
implemented and their significance for pedestrians' rights of
way.
2. Learners
will be able to understand concepts of actuation and the
importance for pedestrians to use the pushbutton and WALK
signal.
3. Learners
will be able to understand how a blind person without access to
the pedestrian signal can press the pedestrian button to predict
the probable onset of the WALK signal.
?
|
Re: AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
Wow, Gina -- yes, that sounds like it!? I'm embarrassed I didn't
know it was up - I'll be glad to see you there!?
This webinar will be open to everyone, AER and the O&M
Division's Environmental Access Committee think it's important for
this information to be available to all who need it, so as soon as
we know how that registration will be handled we can let you
know.? Meanwhile, AER members can sign up now!
Thanks again!
On 1/28/2024 3:40 PM, Schmid, Gina J
wrote:
I signed up already and looking forward to it Dona!? I signed up
on the AER Learning- is that the right place? It was called
Understanding Modern Signals on 2/20.?
Gina?
Certified
Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)
CAUTION:
This email originated from outside of the organization. Do
not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.
?
Hi everyone! ?JoAnne Chalom, Jack Mitchell and I are very
excited about doing a webinar for O&Ms on crossing at
modern signalized intersections! ?It’s sponsored by the
Environmental Access Committee of AER’s O&M Division, and
it’s free and open to everyone, offering ACVREP credit.?
We plan to have FUN while learning, and ask each of you
to go back in history to when O&M began and our
street-crossing strategies were developed, and put
yourselves in the shoes of the traffic engineers who
created the complex signals we have today so you can
understand them.
After learning all about the traffic patterns and
timing and how pedestrians and blind folks can navigate
them, we’ll talk about what you can ask engineers to do
when there are problems with the signal that make it
difficult to cross.
We'll send registration information as soon as its
available.
Enjoy!
— Dona
—————————
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation
and Mobility Specialist for the blind
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
I signed up already and looking forward to it Dona!? I signed up on the AER Learning- is that the right place? It was called Understanding Modern Signals on 2/20.?
Gina?
Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Dona Sauerburger via groups.io <dona@...>
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2024 3:18 PM
To: AER EAC <aer-eac@...>; O&M AER listserv <oandm@...>; aernet@... <aernet@...>; O&M Open International listserv <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [OandM] AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
?
CAUTION: This email originated from outside
of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
?
Hi everyone! ?JoAnne Chalom, Jack Mitchell and I are very excited about doing a webinar for O&Ms on crossing at modern signalized intersections! ?It’s sponsored by the Environmental Access Committee of AER’s O&M Division, and it’s free and open to everyone,
offering ACVREP credit.?
We plan to have FUN while learning, and ask each of you to go back in history to when O&M began and our street-crossing strategies were developed, and put yourselves in the shoes of the traffic engineers who created the complex signals we have today so
you can understand them.
After learning all about the traffic patterns and timing and how pedestrians and blind folks can navigate them, we’ll talk about what you can ask engineers to do when there are problems with the signal that make it difficult to cross.
We'll send registration information as soon as its available.
Enjoy!
— Dona
—————————
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
Hi everyone! ?JoAnne Chalom, Jack Mitchell and I are very excited
about doing a webinar for O&Ms on crossing at modern signalized
intersections! ?It’s sponsored by the Environmental Access Committee
of AER’s O&M Division, and it’s free and open to everyone,
offering ACVREP credit.?
We plan to have FUN while learning, and ask each of you to go
back in history to when O&M began and our street-crossing
strategies were developed, and put yourselves in the shoes of
the traffic engineers who created the complex signals we have
today so you can understand them.
After learning all about the traffic patterns and timing and
how pedestrians and blind folks can navigate them, we’ll talk
about what you can ask engineers to do when there are problems
with the signal that make it difficult to cross.
We'll send registration information as soon as its available.
Enjoy!
— Dona
—————————
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and
Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: Older Individuals and Support Issues
I have experienced this conundrum in my own practice. When I was the O&M Specialist for Envision, I always ran the placement of a support cane with a client through the PT consultants they kept on contract. I do not remember a time when a PT disagreed with my recommendation. Ethically, however, I have a problem with always deferring to PTs before putting a white support cane in the hand of a client. If a person is navigating in the built environment while using a non-white support cane, but vision loss is causing them to ?need to identify as visually impaired in order to travel with utmost possible safety, then I will replace the support cane with a white support cane set to the exact same height and of the same weight. If a white support cane which is almost identical to their non-white support cane is not available, then, with their permission, I paint their support cane white with a red section at the bottom. White and red reflective paint, and masking tape, ?are included in my usual supplies. I have also used white and red reflective tape in the same manner. I have great respect for the work of the field of PT. I would never attempt to initially fit a support cane for someone who has not been using one, even though I believe I understand the basics of doing so. At the same time, now as a private practitioner, if a person is using a support cane, and they are also experiencing vision loss, I want to make them as safe as possible as quickly as possible. That may mean replacing a colored support cane with a white one. Referral to a PT to prescribe the white support cane can take a month or longer in my geographic areas of practice. I think our field needs to understand that, whether we like it or not, people can go into any Walgreens, CVS, or other pharmacy chain and purchase a support cane off of the rack. Recently I have also found that some manufacturers of long, white canes are marketing their products to retail entities that then re-sell them over the counter. I have encountered several clients who have purchased long, sort of white, and red canes manufactured by Drive Inc.? These canes have usually been much too long or, more often, too short for the individual, and their tips are of questionable quality, but they do indeed feature the characteristics of folding white canes that we might place. ?My point here is that, ideally adaptive equipment, both which we prescribe, and which OTs prescribe, should be fitted by qualified experts in the appropriate fields, but consumers can easily get around that requirement. Given these realities, I do not think we should make an experienced support cane user wait for a PT referral in order to get a white support cane, if that is the adaptive equipment they need to travel with utmost safety. Michael Byington, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist President of Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Membership Coordinator for Friends In Art of the American Council for the Blind 712 S Kansas Avene, Suite 414 Topeka, Kansas 66603 (785) 221-7111 ByingtonCOMS@... ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dona Sauerburger
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2024 5:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [OandM] Older Individuals and Support Issues? Hi Julie!? I always recommend that the client go to a PT (funded either by insurance if prescribed by a doctor, or the agency that is paying for my services).? They are the only ones qualified to assess and address the problem (balance or weakness or dizziness or whatever) that seems to suggest the need for a support cane.? Then I work with the PT and the client, so the 3 of us can work out strategies to both probe ahead to see what's on the ground, and provide support.? There are examples of using a support and a long white cane and Scott Crawford has a wealth of information in his APH material. I worked with a woman last summer who is blind and had learned to use a long white cane and now needed a cane for support.? She had a support cane but hadn't learned how to use it, so the PT showed her how to use it and she got to the second level of learning the cane (she could do it but only when concentrating).?? She then very quickly learned to use the white cane with the support cane but as she was walking she asked me to hold her for support, and I realized that before incorporating the white cane, she needed to get skilled with and rely on the support cane, and after that we introduced the long white cane and she did well.? I videotaped the process and some day will get it ready to post. On 1/12/2024 5:31 PM, Julie Henry wrote: Those of you working with older individuals who have low vision … how do you approach it when they need a support cane, but do not have one or a PT. What do you do? ? Also, are any of you “fall prevention” certified? If so, what program did you do? ? Julie Henry O&M Specialist 411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702 O: 903.590.4356 
? ?
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: Older Individuals and Support Issues
No, Dona, they are not the thin ID canes but support cane types with white & red markings. ?We found that older individuals preferred this type of cane vs using a long cane for ID (Not protection) and most felt more comfortable walking around with this type of cane for ID. ?Otherwise they would not continue walking because they were so afraid of falling. ?There is no research that I know of that a person changes their gait. ?They used the cane for a probe sometimes or check the height of a curb or stair before stepping up/down. ?They had very good functional vision for travel. ?To us, individuals continue to walk more (or continue to move) so that in it’s self to lower a fall risk.
Meg Robertson COMS
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 17, 2024, at 9:49?AM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
Meg, are these the slender “ID” canes? ?Or heavy short support canes?
Our agency used to give out support canes as an ID cane (before I came on board) and when I worked with them later, they had become used to using the support cane and had to be weaned off of it. I have read (don’t remember where) that a person whose balance is good who is encouraged to use a support cane may change their gait such that they would need the support cane rather than strengthening their muscles to improve their balance. ?Anyone know if that’s true?
My husband and I, by the way, are taking Tai Chi for our balance, and it is extremely helpful.
— Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
On Jan 17, 2024, at 12:26 PM, Meg Robertson via groups.io <mobilitymeg@...> wrote:
?
At the Mass. Commission for the Blind, the O&M Dept., we issued ’short canes” for ID and/or visual support to older adults, who did not need a long cane for protection around obstacles. ?Almost all these clients had ARMD. ?Sometimes these canes were used as a bridge to get them to use a long cane if vision decreased. These canes were not issued to anyone using a walker or had a mobility physical impairment, referrals were made or recommended to PT services. ?This type of cane has been used in our practice in Mass., for over 40 years. ?We would work with PTs as often as we could but support canes can be brought without a prescription. ?We issued more of these short cans than long canes. ?
If a client had purchased a support cane, we would observe how they used it, maybe re-sized it for a better fit, recommend them to consult with a PT, but we would also tape thei cane, for ID, if they did not need a long cane.
We also had some of our OM staff become “Matter of Balance” Trainers, as most of our referrals were of older adults with ARMD.
So there are 2 different issues, yes, if there is a physical mobility need, PTs need to be consulted for the best type of a Mobility Device-Walker/support cane/wheelchair, vs using a smaller cane (not a long cane) for ID and visual support.
Many times we have ran into issues with Pts, that don’t want a blind person to use a long cane with a support cane, as they are consider the long cane another mobility device, when their goal is to have the person travel without a mobility device. ?We have to do a lot of training with these PTs. ?
If working with Children, that is another discussion but I’m talking about older adults with vision loss.
Meg Robertson COMS Former Director of the O&M Dept.? Mass. Commission for the Blind
On Jan 17, 2024, at 7:48?AM, Julie Henry <jhenry@...> wrote:
Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for. ? Julie ? Julie Henry O&M Specialist 411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702 O: 903.590.4356 <image001.png> ? ? ? ? Hi Julie!? I always recommend that the client go to a PT (funded either by insurance if prescribed by a doctor, or the agency that is paying for my services).? They are the only ones qualified to assess and address the problem (balance or weakness or dizziness or whatever) that seems to suggest the need for a support cane.?? Then I work with the PT and the client, so the 3 of us can work out strategies to both probe ahead to see what's on the ground, and provide support.? There are examples of using a support and a long white cane??and Scott Crawford has a wealth of information in his APH material. I worked with a woman last summer who is blind and had learned to use a long white cane and now needed a cane for support.? She had a support cane but hadn't learned how to use it, so the PT showed her how to use it and she got to the second level of learning the cane (she could do it but only when concentrating).?? She then very quickly learned to use the white cane with the support cane but as she was walking she asked me to hold her for support, and I realized that before incorporating the white cane, she needed to get skilled with and rely on the support cane, and after that we introduced the long white cane and she did well.? I videotaped the process and some day will get it ready to post. On 1/12/2024 5:31 PM, Julie Henry wrote: Those of you working with older individuals who have low vision … how do you approach it when they need a support cane, but do not have one or a PT. What do you do? ? Also, are any of you “fall prevention” certified? If so, what program did you do? ? Julie Henry O&M Specialist 411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702 O: 903.590.4356 <image001.png> ? ?
--?
-- Dona?
-------------------------------?
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: Older Individuals and Support Issues
I have no “evidence” that is true, but I have also been told that by the PTs that I worked with when talking about me after breaking my foot and my coworker after knee surgery. My PT said as soon as you can, get off all walkers, support
canes and start paying attention to your limping or you’ll need it for the rest of your life.? So from that … I would agree that you are correct.
?
Julie
?
Julie Henry
O&M Specialist
411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702
O: 903.590.4356
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of
Dona Sauerburger via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 11:49 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [OandM] Older Individuals and Support Issues
?
?
Meg, are these the slender “ID” canes? ?Or heavy short support canes?
Our agency used to give out support canes as an ID cane (before I came on board) and when I worked with them later, they had become used to using the support cane and had to be weaned off of it. I have read (don’t remember where) that a
person whose balance is good who is encouraged to use a support cane may change their gait such that they would need the support cane rather than strengthening their muscles to improve their balance. ?Anyone know if that’s true?
My husband and I, by the way, are taking Tai Chi for our balance, and it is extremely helpful.
?
— Dona
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
On Jan 17, 2024, at 12:26 PM, Meg Robertson via groups.io <mobilitymeg@...> wrote:
?
At the Mass. Commission for the Blind, the O&M Dept., we issued ’short canes” for ID and/or visual support to older adults, who did not need a long cane for protection around obstacles. ?Almost all these clients had ARMD. ?Sometimes these
canes were used as a bridge to get them to use a long cane if vision decreased. These canes were not issued to anyone using a walker or had a mobility physical impairment, referrals were made or recommended to PT services. ?This type of cane has been used
in our practice in Mass., for over 40 years. ?We would work with PTs as often as we could but support canes can be brought without a prescription. ?We issued more of these short cans than long canes. ?
If a client had purchased a support cane, we would observe how they used it, maybe re-sized it for a better fit, recommend them to consult with a PT, but we would also tape thei cane, for ID, if they did not need a long cane.
We also had some of our OM staff become “Matter of Balance” Trainers, as most of our referrals were of older adults with ARMD.
So there are 2 different issues, yes, if there is a physical mobility need, PTs need to be consulted for the best type of a Mobility Device-Walker/support cane/wheelchair, vs using a smaller cane (not a long cane) for ID and visual support.
Many times we have ran into issues with Pts, that don’t want a blind person to use a long cane with a support cane, as they are consider the long cane another mobility device, when their goal is to have the person travel without a mobility
device. ?We have to do a lot of training with these PTs. ?
If working with Children, that is another discussion but I’m talking about older adults with vision loss.
Former Director of the O&M Dept.?
Mass. Commission for the Blind
?
On Jan 17, 2024, at 7:48?AM, Julie Henry <jhenry@...> wrote:
?
Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for.
411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702
Hi Julie!? I always recommend that the client go to a PT (funded either by insurance if prescribed by a doctor, or the agency that is paying for my services).? They are the only ones qualified
to assess and address the problem (balance or weakness or dizziness or whatever) that seems to suggest the need for a support cane.??
Then I work with the PT and the client, so the 3 of us can work out strategies to both probe ahead to see what's on the ground, and provide support.? There are examples of using a support
and a long white cane??and Scott Crawford has a wealth of information in his APH material.
I worked with a woman last summer who is blind and had learned to use a long white cane and now needed a cane for support.? She had a support cane but hadn't learned how to use it, so the
PT showed her how to use it and she got to the second level of learning the cane (she could do it but only when concentrating).??
She then very quickly learned to use the white cane with the support cane but as she was walking she asked me to hold her for support, and I realized that before incorporating the white cane,
she needed to get skilled with and rely on the support cane, and after that we introduced the long white cane and she did well.? I videotaped the process and some day will get it ready to post.
On 1/12/2024 5:31 PM, Julie Henry wrote:
Those of you working with older individuals who have low vision … how do you approach it when they need a support cane, but do not have one or a PT. What do you do?
Also, are any of you “fall prevention” certified? If so, what program did you do?
411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702
--?
-- Dona?
-------------------------------?
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
?
|
Re: Older Individuals and Support Issues
Meg, are these the slender “ID” canes? ?Or heavy short support canes?
Our agency used to give out support canes as an ID cane (before I came on board) and when I worked with them later, they had become used to using the support cane and had to be weaned off of it. I have read (don’t remember where) that a person whose balance is good who is encouraged to use a support cane may change their gait such that they would need the support cane rather than strengthening their muscles to improve their balance. ?Anyone know if that’s true?
My husband and I, by the way, are taking Tai Chi for our balance, and it is extremely helpful.
— Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind www.sauerburger.org
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 17, 2024, at 12:26 PM, Meg Robertson via groups.io <mobilitymeg@...> wrote:
?
At the Mass. Commission for the Blind, the O&M Dept., we issued ’short canes” for ID and/or visual support to older adults, who did not need a long cane for protection around obstacles. ?Almost all these clients had ARMD. ?Sometimes these canes were used as a bridge to get them to use a long cane if vision decreased. These canes were not issued to anyone using a walker or had a mobility physical impairment, referrals were made or recommended to PT services. ?This type of cane has been used in our practice in Mass., for over 40 years. ?We would work with PTs as often as we could but support canes can be brought without a prescription. ?We issued more of these short cans than long canes. ?
If a client had purchased a support cane, we would observe how they used it, maybe re-sized it for a better fit, recommend them to consult with a PT, but we would also tape thei cane, for ID, if they did not need a long cane.
We also had some of our OM staff become “Matter of Balance” Trainers, as most of our referrals were of older adults with ARMD.
So there are 2 different issues, yes, if there is a physical mobility need, PTs need to be consulted for the best type of a Mobility Device-Walker/support cane/wheelchair, vs using a smaller cane (not a long cane) for ID and visual support.
Many times we have ran into issues with Pts, that don’t want a blind person to use a long cane with a support cane, as they are consider the long cane another mobility device, when their goal is to have the person travel without a mobility device. ?We have to do a lot of training with these PTs. ?
If working with Children, that is another discussion but I’m talking about older adults with vision loss.
Meg Robertson COMS Former Director of the O&M Dept.? Mass. Commission for the Blind
On Jan 17, 2024, at 7:48?AM, Julie Henry <jhenry@...> wrote:
Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for. ? Julie ? Julie Henry O&M Specialist 411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702 O: 903.590.4356 <image001.png> ? ? ? ? Hi Julie!? I always recommend that the client go to a PT (funded either by insurance if prescribed by a doctor, or the agency that is paying for my services).? They are the only ones qualified to assess and address the problem (balance or weakness or dizziness or whatever) that seems to suggest the need for a support cane.?? Then I work with the PT and the client, so the 3 of us can work out strategies to both probe ahead to see what's on the ground, and provide support.? There are examples of using a support and a long white cane??and Scott Crawford has a wealth of information in his APH material. I worked with a woman last summer who is blind and had learned to use a long white cane and now needed a cane for support.? She had a support cane but hadn't learned how to use it, so the PT showed her how to use it and she got to the second level of learning the cane (she could do it but only when concentrating).?? She then very quickly learned to use the white cane with the support cane but as she was walking she asked me to hold her for support, and I realized that before incorporating the white cane, she needed to get skilled with and rely on the support cane, and after that we introduced the long white cane and she did well.? I videotaped the process and some day will get it ready to post. On 1/12/2024 5:31 PM, Julie Henry wrote: Those of you working with older individuals who have low vision … how do you approach it when they need a support cane, but do not have one or a PT. What do you do? ? Also, are any of you “fall prevention” certified? If so, what program did you do? ? Julie Henry O&M Specialist 411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702 O: 903.590.4356 <image001.png> ? ?
--?
-- Dona?
-------------------------------?
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: Older Individuals and Support Issues
At the Mass. Commission for the Blind, the O&M Dept., we issued ’short canes” for ID and/or visual support to older adults, who did not need a long cane for protection around obstacles. ?Almost all these clients had ARMD. ?Sometimes these canes were used as a bridge to get them to use a long cane if vision decreased. These canes were not issued to anyone using a walker or had a mobility physical impairment, referrals were made or recommended to PT services. ?This type of cane has been used in our practice in Mass., for over 40 years. ?We would work with PTs as often as we could but support canes can be brought without a prescription. ?We issued more of these short cans than long canes. ?
If a client had purchased a support cane, we would observe how they used it, maybe re-sized it for a better fit, recommend them to consult with a PT, but we would also tape thei cane, for ID, if they did not need a long cane.
We also had some of our OM staff become “Matter of Balance” Trainers, as most of our referrals were of older adults with ARMD.
So there are 2 different issues, yes, if there is a physical mobility need, PTs need to be consulted for the best type of a Mobility Device-Walker/support cane/wheelchair, vs using a smaller cane (not a long cane) for ID and visual support.
Many times we have ran into issues with Pts, that don’t want a blind person to use a long cane with a support cane, as they are consider the long cane another mobility device, when their goal is to have the person travel without a mobility device. ?We have to do a lot of training with these PTs. ?
If working with Children, that is another discussion but I’m talking about older adults with vision loss.
Meg Robertson COMS Former Director of the O&M Dept.? Mass. Commission for the Blind
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 17, 2024, at 7:48?AM, Julie Henry <jhenry@...> wrote:
Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for. ? Julie ? Julie Henry O&M Specialist 411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702 O: 903.590.4356 <image001.png> ? ? ? ? Hi Julie!? I always recommend that the client go to a PT (funded either by insurance if prescribed by a doctor, or the agency that is paying for my services).? They are the only ones qualified to assess and address the problem (balance or weakness or dizziness or whatever) that seems to suggest the need for a support cane.?? Then I work with the PT and the client, so the 3 of us can work out strategies to both probe ahead to see what's on the ground, and provide support.? There are examples of using a support and a long white cane??and Scott Crawford has a wealth of information in his APH material. I worked with a woman last summer who is blind and had learned to use a long white cane and now needed a cane for support.? She had a support cane but hadn't learned how to use it, so the PT showed her how to use it and she got to the second level of learning the cane (she could do it but only when concentrating).?? She then very quickly learned to use the white cane with the support cane but as she was walking she asked me to hold her for support, and I realized that before incorporating the white cane, she needed to get skilled with and rely on the support cane, and after that we introduced the long white cane and she did well.? I videotaped the process and some day will get it ready to post. On 1/12/2024 5:31 PM, Julie Henry wrote: Those of you working with older individuals who have low vision … how do you approach it when they need a support cane, but do not have one or a PT. What do you do? ? Also, are any of you “fall prevention” certified? If so, what program did you do? ? Julie Henry O&M Specialist 411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702 O: 903.590.4356 <image001.png> ? ?
--?
-- Dona?
-------------------------------?
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: Older Individuals and Support Issues
Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for.
?
Julie
?
Julie Henry
O&M Specialist
411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702
O: 903.590.4356
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Dona Sauerburger via groups.io
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2024 5:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [OandM] Older Individuals and Support Issues
?
?
Hi Julie!? I always recommend that the client go to a PT (funded either by insurance if prescribed by a doctor, or the agency that is paying for my services).? They are the only ones qualified to assess and address the problem (balance or weakness or dizziness
or whatever) that seems to suggest the need for a support cane.?
Then I work with the PT and the client, so the 3 of us can work out strategies to both probe ahead to see what's on the ground, and provide support.? There are examples of using a support and a long white cane
and Scott Crawford has a wealth of information in his APH material.
I worked with a woman last summer who is blind and had learned to use a long white cane and now needed a cane for support.? She had a support cane but hadn't learned how to use it, so the PT showed her how to use it and she got to the second level of learning
the cane (she could do it but only when concentrating).??
She then very quickly learned to use the white cane with the support cane but as she was walking she asked me to hold her for support, and I realized that before incorporating the white cane, she needed to get skilled with and rely on the support cane, and
after that we introduced the long white cane and she did well.? I videotaped the process and some day will get it ready to post.
On 1/12/2024 5:31 PM, Julie Henry wrote:
Those of you working with older individuals who have low vision … how do you approach it when they need a support cane, but do not have one or a PT. What do you do?
?
Also, are any of you “fall prevention” certified? If so, what program did you do?
?
Julie Henry
O&M Specialist
411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702
O: 903.590.4356
?
?
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Jay Hardwig