"Long Cane Training"

I am severely sight impaired and have recently completed training using a long cane with Dianne from the Sensory Support team based in Lisburn. I had been contemplating going through training for quite some time, but with fluctuating sight and a number of corrective surgeries, there always seemed to be a good reason for me to justify putting it off. Having completed my training and being able to get out into the big world with increasing independence, I only wish I had taken the plunge a long time ago. 

Dianne made the whole experience so enjoyable. She moved at my pace, constantly evaluating my progress and using every experience as a learning opportunity. Her balance of support and encouraging independence was judged to perfection and it was very clear to me that she had pre visited my home town, many times throughout my training days, to plan out routes and solve issues of difficult terrain and safe routes. My training was tailor made to my goals of being able to walk to key places from my own home and Dianne genuinely shared in my delight with every success I had throughout my training. I can not recommend the whole experience enough. What could’ve been quite a frightening and daunting time for me, was transformed into a very enjoyable life changing experience and the interest, professionalism, care and attention to detail shown by Dianne, could not go unrecognised.