# Using A Cane And carrying large objects

Category: Daily Living

## Post 1 by Harmony (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 06-Oct-2008 13:11:53

Does anyone have any ideas for using a cane and carrying large things? For example when I'm in the college refectory, I fold my cane up and put it on the tray because I have to carry my cutlery as well. The only trouble is, I normally end up crashing into the person in front.

## Post 2 by HotPerro (I live and breathe the board) on Monday, 06-Oct-2008 13:32:37

Unfortunately, when you lose your vision, you also lose a hand. I've used the fold up the cane and wing it method, but if you don't know the area, this can be dangerous. If my dishes are on a tray, I usually hold the far end with my hand, use my chest for support on the near side, and use my other hand for my cane. However, for larger, and heavier objects such as multiple grocery bags, i recommend a cart, or a backpack. Hope this helps.

## Post 3 by motifated (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 06-Oct-2008 13:46:30

I totally agree with the last post. If possible, try to find someone to go sighted guide with who will be willing to carry your tray, or you can then tuck the cane under the arm, and do what the last poster suggested.
Lou

## Post 4 by motifated (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 06-Oct-2008 13:47:00

Not much. Just checking out the boards before I go to a meeting. You?

## Post 5 by Big Pawed Bear (letting his paws be his guide.) on Monday, 06-Oct-2008 16:12:10

i use a wheeled bag like a sports bag to help with shopping.

## Post 6 by bozmagic (The rottie's your best friend if you want him/her to be, lol.) on Monday, 06-Oct-2008 19:31:59

I have a soft carry case with shoulder strap from RNIB for my Perkins Brailler and I generally use backpacks for transporting my laptop, luggage, overnight/weekend stuff, a trolley case for longer stays away from home, so there's always my right hand free for my cane. Carrying trays is another matter. If you have a good sense of where you are in the cantine/dining area, you can just pot luck it and carry your tray with both hands to the table of your choice, trying not to collide with people, moving or static objects on the way there. I lost half my dinner doing this at School once, but that was only because some idiot wasn't concentrating where they were going and knocked the tray out of my hands, gur'r'r'r! You just have to think, learn, listen and be careful, basically.
Jen.

## Post 7 by Harmony (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 07-Oct-2008 13:01:33

I folded my cane up and carried the tray and cutlery in the other hand. I held my cane sort of in front of me and kept poking people though.

## Post 8 by flcomputergeek (Its my opinion, take it or leave it. ) on Tuesday, 07-Oct-2008 14:27:08

Because of my cerebral palsy, I only have one good hand, in which i use my cane. If I cant get assistance carrying my food tray, I will order my food to go and put it in my backpack. I rarely carry anything in my right hand for long periods of time as the arm tends to stiffen up and I wind up dropping the object I am carrying. lol fortunately in college, I got to know most of the staff at the various food places on campus and they were more than happy to assist me in carrying my tray. I usually put as much as I can in my backpack, or try to get things in bags with handles that I can sling over my shoulder or arm and support with my right hand.

## Post 9 by motifated (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 07-Oct-2008 17:43:30

Sindy, I'd never have thought of getting food to go and putting it in a backpack. Don't get me wrong. I love my backpack, and have put audio mixers and musical instruments in it. Just never tried carryout food.
Lou

## Post 10 by jamesk (This site is so "educational") on Tuesday, 07-Oct-2008 18:00:21

Try holding the tray against your chest with your left arm underneath it and your hand over the front edge. Use the fingers on that hand to hold your glass upright.
With the right hand, reach across the tray and use a pencil grip. I put the silverware and napkins in my pocket.
It takes practice, but can definitely be done.

## Post 11 by HotPerro (I live and breathe the board) on Tuesday, 07-Oct-2008 21:26:41

Just don't put any drinks in cups, or food that's not in some kind of safe container. Just be prepared for your backpack to smell like food, or in worst case scenarios, spillages.

## Post 12 by flcomputergeek (Its my opinion, take it or leave it. ) on Wednesday, 08-Oct-2008 10:17:42

its always bagged. I always have the food bagged. and I order things that wont spill. buy bottled drinks, etc.