Frances born 1952, RLF, prefers her Dog Guide over Long Canes

We are entering the 1950s with Frances who was born 1952 seven years after the first white cane was taught to a blinded veteran of WWII. She remembered knowing that she had to wait to learn to use a long cane once she became 15. This is a terrific discussion of her dog guide use and paratransit. If you’re curious about the reality of getting around while blind – Frances is fabulous-

After Interview Thoughts

In every way I asked, it was clear that Frances got around on the arm of someone else until she got her dog guide. There is nothing right or wrong with how someone moves about their world. 

Everything you hear from Frances about long canes and her ability to travel as a child... her narrative, is "everything was fine". She could take or leave the white cane, she got around her neighborhood and school, except to cross streets, and mostly on the arm of a friend. An O&M instructor listening will hear the truth – others may be lulled into false sense that Frances was fine- or that she had a choice. She had none. She was denied all form of independent safety until she was 15. She was raised to go on the arm of another, go in groups, stick together. In 2024, I think children with MVI/B can be trusted to have more safety in their lives, from the beginning - would be best.

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