White Cane Basics

Bruce Wyland - I have watched my vision get narrower and narrower from the outside coming in. But it wasn't until I hit my sixties that my tunnel vision became so narrow that I was literally tripping over things. I was a little afraid of the cane as a negative symbol, and I was worried that people might ridicule me or be less than supportive. And as I walked around my hometown, I found myself more and more embarrassed, apologetic to people. People just didn't understand about my problem because I was keeping it a secret. I have to say. I hesitated and resisted for a long, long time until my wife finally convinced me that I had to use the cane when I walked about.

Narrator - If you find yourself thinking about obstacles that might be in your way or how stepping down a curb might catch you off guard, you might be wondering if a white cane is right for you. A great place to start is by learning more. So let's check out the basics, what a white cane is, what types are available, and where to go to get one. Just like the name says, a white cane is usually white. Most have red near the bottom, and most are reflective so they can be seen at night, especially by drivers. These basic markings let others know that the person carrying a white cane has a visual impairment, but not all white canes are the same. In fact, there are three different types and each type has different features.

First is the standard long white mobility cane that's used to get around when it's held up straight, it's long enough to reach from the floor to somewhere between the armpit and the chin. To use a mobility cane, you tap or sweep it back and forth on the ground in front of you, or use it to lightly probe and find what's on the floor. The cane provides feedback about the surface and any obstacles as you walk and move around. For example, a mobility cane helps you tell where the edge of a sidewalk meets the grass or how close you are to the wall when you're walking down a hallway. It also tells you when there's a table or chair in your path or a step up or down.

Some mobility canes are made as a single solid piece and some fold up, which makes them easier to put away when you don't need them. And mobility canes can be fitted with different tips to glide or roll along the ground. Checking out the different options makes it easier to navigate the condition specific to your environment.

Next is the ID cane, which is short for identification. Cane carrying an ID cane is a handy way to let drivers, cyclists, and others know you have a visual impairment. An ID cane is shorter and thinner than a mobility cane. It doesn't touch the ground, so it's generally just carried and not used for probing. And an ID cane is usually foldable, which makes it convenient to carry and to tuck away in a purse or a backpack or under a chair when you're not using it. The third type of white cane is a support cane that's marked with white and red. A support cane is used to provide physical support while someone is walking or standing. And for someone who also has a visual impairment, using a support cane with these markings can serve double duty. If you already have a support cane that works for you, it can be marked with white and red reflective tape. Some people who use a regular support cane or a wheelchair also use a long white cane with training and practice.

They may be able to manage both. If you decide to try out a white cane, the best place to start is with an orientation and mobility specialist. An o and m specialist is someone who has expert training, so they can teach people with visual impairments how to get around independently. They'll work with you to understand what type of cane would be best for you, and they'll teach you the best techniques and help you practice to build your skills and confidence to find an o and m specialist near you. And for help in getting a cane contact, your state's vision, rehabilitation services or vision resource center.

You can also buy a cane directly from companies that sell products designed for people with visual impairments. They sell different types of replacement tips too. And the National Federation of the Blind has a free white cane program that you can apply to for contact information and some helpful options. Check out the resources by scrolling down below this workshop and be sure to check out another workshop in this series for a more detailed look at the different types of canes.

Bruce Wyland - And when I started using the cane, first of all, I stopped tripping over things and running into things. And second of all, it was a way to gently announce to people that I had a visual problem and suddenly people who were confused or angry were helpful rather than feeling embarrassed as I was afraid I might, I felt like I had suddenly been given a ticket to travel around without embarrassment, without mishaps. So the one thing I wanna recommend to people is when you ready, get team training and embrace the use of a cane.