Blindness & Visual Impairment Support Group

I am sorry to hear that you are going through that. People can be so cruel and ignorant. Most people in my area move across the room when they see the white cane. There are a few that get in front of me and a few of these people have gotten tapped with my cane. They usually turn and look at me, like what did you do that for? Some walk a little faster.
I live in a small town and the bus system only comes to my area 4 times a day, twice a day goes to town and twice to bring you back, and is inconvient to use, so I have to take cabs or wait for someone to be able to take me anywhere.

Your mobility trainer didn't show you how to use the bus? My trainer asked me if I wanted him to show me but I declined because of our public transportation sucks.

Keep your head up and don't give up, it does get a little easier. I've been fighting using my cane for many months but have decided it is way better then tripping over things.

Thank you for your reply. I only had one session with the OM instructor and that was when I just got my cane. I will ask her to teach me the bus route. I didn't think to ask. Everything is still new and overwhelming. I wish you the best- Kristin

Gee, I just got my cane this past saturday and everything you wrote is what I have been afraid of. I worry about some people thinking I am not blind enough to use a cane yet. But when I remember how many broken toes I have gotten this past year from tripping over things, especially those concrete parking barriers, I think twice about worrying what others may think of me.
It is normal to worry what others may think of us, but we really have to try extra hard to put the emphasis on yourselves. You are not alone. Vent all you like, we are here to listen and support.

What I do is yell in a rather sarcastic voic,*THANK you!* and then other people turn around and look at them and they are embarrassed. Take the initiative -- do not be intimidated. Fire back at them!

My kids used to think it was hilariously funny to come up to me in the pool and whisper, because they knew that without my coke-bottle glasses I could not tell who it was. I solved that by waiting silently til they got close enough and then shoving their heads under water; not holding them down, just ducking them good. The shopping cart people, just shove the cart into them.

The one thing you should never do is let them get to you. That makes them think they have the right to behave that way. Think of them like the people who come on chat lines and behave like spoilt toddlers just because they think nobody knows them.

Go get em, Kris. You are in the right and you need to prove it to them.

Wow you got your cane the first time you met your O&M trainer mine made me wait about a month. I feel I don't need my trainer anymore but he keeps coming out. lol
There is alot to learn with the cane, you go girl and let us know how it is going with you.

Rolling up my sleeves getting ready to type.
HMMM
I've been using my cane since 95. It is my life saver. Hubby and I had moved into many states with his job. Florida is the best state I lived in 3 times dealing with my blindness. Because they have strict laws on treating the blind folks. Like if they do not stop if I am standing at the side of the road to cross. They can get fine 100 dollars right on the spot. For example anyone knows the Highway A1A. I had set up a special pick up with the bus service to pick me up where there is no bus service. One time I was standing there with my cane out, the folks stop; some even got out to help me to cross. LOL even though I was telling them I was waiting for my bus. They look around and see no bus stop sign. I thanks them so much. Decided next time to hide my cane behind me and be sure I am away from the road but not too close to the ditch where gaters live.
Please folks it is bad enough we are dealing with our blindness let alone dealing with cruel people.
TIPS:
Someone is waving their hands in front of your face. Say aloud GEE WHAT THAT SMELL EW you could be ruder and say GOSH IT SMELL LIKE CRAP.
If you go to the same store to do your grocery or any other shopping. If their rude folks hangin around you. Go up to the service station and request the manager. Tell the manager what been going on and you do not want to get hurt. And dont be afraid to request some one to walk with you throughout the store. Becuase if you get hurt in their store after you request help they can be heavily fine or better yet sued.
If you find a certain crosswalk with light or stop sign and folks are not abiding the law. You can call your local police dept not the the 911. Explain your situation and ask if they can have someone watch that corner when you are going out. I had one homeless man arrested for bothering me for money at the intersection and the cop watch him harrassing me. After few times the cop sat there; no one harrassed me or the others.
If you are on the bus where it says this seats is for handicap only. And you see an able body person sitting there. Just politely say I need to sit there please. Some folks will get up and move. If not the bus driver is suppose to help you. If not call the Bus service and make your complaint.
Bus drivers are suppose to help you. You tell the bus driver what stop you need to get off. He is suppose to announce at each stop before your desination and then turn to you to let you know that you are at the right stop.
Please dont be afraid to complain. I dont like doing it but I had gotten seriously hurt many times. If you find that you are not getting the help you need Call the Foundation for the blinds and make your complaints.
Thanks hope this halps.