First Time White Can Users - Tips From a Cane User!
Saw one of these posts for another mobility tool today and thought it was a great idea! If anyone has any to add, please add them! I’ve only been using my cane for 7 years.
My vision (since that changes how people like to use their canes): I have Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) which means low acuity, Nystagmus, light sensitivity, no depth perception, and easy eye fatigue. It can also cause strabismus (lazy eye), but I don’t have that. My vision is 20/180. I’m not legally blind, but I am visually impaired. I started using a cane at the age of 12. I use my cane whenever I am in the community independently or with friends. (With my family, I’m still very used to not bringing it so often forget... and regret it once I’m there and have walked into 3 different fruit stands and a poor grocery clerk :P )
Okay the tips!:
-It’s never to late to get a cane, even if your vision is stable. If you feel like you need one, you should talk to your O&M instructor or local commission for the blind!
-When you step forward with your right foot, the cane should tap (or reach it’s farthest point) on the left side When you step with your left, the cane should be on the right side. This is especially important for two-point-touch but can also be incredibly helpful with constant contact.
-No money? Either use the NFB’s free cane program (only non-folding two-point-touch canes) or ask your O&M instructor to order you one.
-Folding canes are OK. And so are non-folding canes. You don’t need to pick a side in this grand debate. Just figure out which one works for you and roll with it.
-Figure out your style. There are lots of types of canes and lots of ways to use them! Try constant contact and two-point-touch before you make a decision. You might just learn something. Also, try different canes. They’ve all got pros and cons!
-Get a wrist brace if you have arthritis or carpal tunnel. And use it. You’re wrists will hurt. Also try to get a lighter weight cane. Try a fiberglass cane.
-Don’t be ashamed of it. People will stare. People will ask questions. But would you rather get pointed at or hit by a car? I think that’s a pretty easy answer... I’ve had way too many friends put in dangerous situations due to their vision. Stay as safe as you possibly can!
-Support canes are a combination between long white canes and walking canes. They were created for people with VIs and mobility issues.
-Even if you don’t need it somewhere, you might want it. People respect you more with the cane. They believe you when you say you need help, because you look like you might need help. It’s a sucky reality, but it’s true. Even if you don’t need your cane inside a store, try using it. You’ll actually get the help you need.
-In the US, red and white are the most common colors of white canes. (Usually white with a red section on the bottom.) In the UK, red and white canes indicate a deafblind person.
-You only have one hand free when using a cane. And boy will you forget! It’s okay to take two trips at first. Eventually, you’ll figure out some very creative ways of carrying as much as possible with one hand. If you have hips, they’re great for leaning stuff on in the crook of your elbow. Then you have that hand free to hold more stuff. Also, you’ll learn to wear a backpack and a purse...
-The farthest out your cane goes on either side depends on your method. Two-point-touch should be about hip’s width or a tiny bit more. Constant contact usually goes a bit wider than the hips.
-BRING CLOTH BAGS GROCERY SHOPPING IF YOU’RE GOING TO WALK HOME. You can fit about 3-6 bags of groceries in one cloth bag, and you can wear at least one over your shoulder. Then, you can put one or two on your elbow. If you’re having trouble with the weight, try holding your shirt collar or a hand in your pocket. Not sure why, but this helps a ton.
-Longer cane for faster walking! Shortest it should ever be is to your armpit. Some schools for the blind recommend shoulder length, chin length, or even to be the same height as your cane! I personally use one almost shoulder height. I have a fairly fast walking pace and am 6ft tall. I am partially sighted and mostly use my cane to find steps though.
-You don’t have to use the loop at the top of your cane for your wrist (as long as you can trust your grip)
-But you might want to use it when you need that hand. Let the cane rest with the loop around your wrist while you do things like unlocking doors or opening things. Try to avoid doing this while walking of course as a cane won’t work when you’re not holding it correctly!
-If you don’t have a reflective cane (NFB canes are not reflective), I recommend using reflective tape. You cane find reflective tape at auto shops.
-Get the right tip! You NEED a rolling tip for constant contact! You can use anything for two-point-touch, but I’d recommend a gliding tip if you’re trying two-point-touch for the first time. On smooth surfaces like linoleum, you can still use constant contact if you want. This won’t work anywhere else. I do not recommend using an identification cane as your first cane, even if that’s the intended purpose. They are fragile and unsteady. They also don’t work well at all if you have any intention of trying out the cane for anything other than identification. Try a folding cane of another type instead. My favorite tip is the marshmellow rolling tip. It’s a bit heavy, but it rolls nicely, wears down slowly but is still usable with pretty extreme wear, and moves over surfaces very well.
-Clean your cane. Especially if you have a metal tip. Your cane will get dirty. It will probably get rusty in places. Wash it when you remember.
-Decorate your cane! I don’t recommend covering the reflective tape, but you can put a few stickers on, a strip of cool duct tape, or clip something onto the loop! Be creative :)
-Don’t unfold and refold it all day every day. It’s a waste of time and will wear down the elastic. Lean it in a corner or in a closet at home. If there’s a spot you can do this where you’re hanging out, do it there too. I swear, people won’t care. And it’ll make your cane last much longer!
-If your cane elastic DOES snap, and you don’t have a backup cane, tie the elastic to itself. This won’t last forever, but it should work until you get a new cane. DO NOT fold while the cane is compromised like this!
-On that note, ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP CANE! If you have your old one that’s 2 inches too short, whatever fine that works. If it’s a foot too short, you need a new cane. You always need a usable backup cane in case your primary one breaks or gets lost.
-If people aren’t letting you cross the street, tap your cane on the ground in front of you. When you lift it to do this, lift to about hip height. This will help your cane catch the light and draw attention to it. Most people will let you cross once they notice the cane.
I’ll probably think of more later, but for now, here’s the list! I hope this helps someone! If you guys have any questions about VIs, feel free to ask me!