Category: Let's talk
Hello, everyone. The title of this post comes from the title of a book I have heard of. Apparently a book has been written called Safe without Sight, which gives blind folks tips and tricks for physical safety and self-defense. Have any of you guys heard of it, and know where I can get it?
I would say that question should go into book Nook, except that's not all I'm asking. My hours at work have recently changed, and I will be walking home by myself about midnight. It's not that far, but it is late, and dark. I am curious what other blind folks, especially females, do to protect themselves when in that kind of situation. Some have suggested I carry pepper spray. So, what are your ideas?
stun gun. grins. Pepper spray will jsut put them off for a second or two. I'd love to have a stun gun.
I'm not sure where you can get the book, but I'll do some searching, and see what I can come up with. As far as protecting yourself, I think a spray would be a good thing to have, just in case. Plus, have you thought about maybe taking some kind of selfdefense class? also, definitely keep a cell phone with you.
I just checked the NLS site, and it is currently in the process of being recorded. If you use this service, you might want to try calling the library and getting your name on the waiting list. I would also try amazon.com if I were you.
Other than that, you might want to call around to local YMCA's or fitness centers and see if self defense classes are taught that a blind person could benefit from.
And like the others have said, keep a cell phone with you and pepper spray wouldn't be a bad idea.
BTW, the author of that book is Wendy David if that helps you locate it.
The book was published several years ago by the National Braille Press. It was available in braille and on tape. You might check their website www.nbp.org. Very blind-friendly. There's lots I could say about this topic. Much of it is comon sense. Try not to look vulnerable. Walk with purpose and know where you are going. If you don't, at least look like you do. Cellphone and pepper spray are good ideas. A lot of the safety thing really is attitude and appearance. The book is a really good resource. I used to teach O and M, and I had a copy for my students to check out. God luck with the change in hours.
Lou
Everyone else has pretty much said it all. Self-defense classes are awesome, even if you're not totally blind. And they're fun, or at least they were for me. They make you feel better in general, and it never hurts to know how to kick someone's ass if you need to. Best of luck.
Hi, all! I can't believe I forgot the authors of the book! I have actually met both Wendy David and Scott McCall in person, at Ski for Light. Thankfully, I will be obtaining a Braille copy of the book soon, thanks to Pyrodemon.
I knew the common sense stuff, like walking briskly but not running, good posture, looking like you know where you're going even if you don't, etc. I do carry a cell phone at all times, and will work on the self-defense class thing. Thanks for the ideas. If anyone has anymore that haven't been written here, keep them coming.
A few years ago, I heard about an actress in Los Angles who was attacked. She went on to be the founder of "blind ambition". This is an organization that promotes self-defense strategies among the blind. I don't know if its still in operation or not, but its another source to check out. Best of luck.
Lou
I'd love to learn to kick someone's ass, or at least the techniques to do it when necessary. still trying to convince my dad to let me sign up for Karate lessons lol
I feel like a parrot here, but all the good stuff has really been said.
Look confident, even scary, like you're in no mood to be messed with. If there's someone hanging around who's making you nervous, don't show it, but do make for well-lit, public areas. Even a busy road is a bit more of a psychological deterrent than a dark, quiet street.
Keep your keys and your phone easily to hand, so that you don't have to fumble around in the bottum of a bag for either of them.
Definitely do a self defence course. Like Chelsea said, they're a lot of fun, they do wonders for your confidence, and half of what you learn is theoretical anyway.
Good luck with the job, and with finding the book,
Erin
I'm assuming National Braille Press has it.