I have never seen teachers so excited as when Barry handed each of our teachers a retractable white cane! Mellyssa Lyght at Ambutech liaised with Barry prior to the trip and was able to get us 78 canes at a reduced cost...ON CREDIT until our SPA grant check came in the mail. It was unbelievable! We also feared the canes would not clear customs at the airport when Barry and Doc arrived. We did not contact the Ministry of Ed. in time to write a concessions letter via Ministry of Finance (lots of formal channels...not enough time). Sure enough, Barry dragged the heavy duffel full of canes, reflective tape, cane tips and accessories all through customs, declared it and spoke to the officer about he and Doc's purpose in Grenada. Would you know the officer waved (and waived) them through without a wink!? "Enjoy Grenada," he said! Amazing blessings!
At Resource Centre for the Blind, we do not have a trained mobility instructor on staff, so it was one of the aims of the workshop to give teachers some of the basic fundamentals to pass onto their students. Barry's idea behind giving the teachers canes was so that when they are in public places with their student, it draws attention, alerts drivers and helps educate the public about the capability of independent travel for blind persons. Students also don't have to feel like their the only ones walking with a cane. The idea was brilliant.
We went all over Grenada blindfolded for our two O&M days. Half the staff went to Grenville to work on L-shaped outdoor routes, battling the unobliging streets full of potholes, random holes, drains and grates. The St. Georges team walked the cruise ship terminal and learned how to use the stairs, escalator, elevator and how to stand in line and pay a bill at the Bruce Street Mall. All staff members were educated in sighted guide techniques, the Heinze Break technique in declining assistance, and search patterns.
No comments:
Post a Comment