I don't use a cane but my partner does. I don't think I will ever forget the time her cane broke at the start of our local Pride Parade and I was her makeshift cane the whole way. If that was a radicalizing experience enough, when we went to a CVS afterwards she just had to get one that was "close enough" cause it was cheap and all we could afford. Even as someone who deals with my own disabilities, im still surprised by all of the indignities we see we face. Too many to name the all. Just another case of we won't be free until we all are
It kills me how many people’s lives would be drastically improved with AT LEAST a cane but who think they can’t use one because “they’re for old people” or “their disability isn’t that bad” or because they tried once with an improperly sized one and it felt bad or because of internalized ableism.
I get mine from canesgalore usually because they cut to size, and have both extra tall canes and sturdy/high weight tolerance canes. The black cane I use is a heavier duty one graded for up to 550lbs, and while my weight varies between 250 and 270 at 6’2”, any time I’ve used the “adjustable” metal ones not only do they not go tall enough, but they slowly bend over time because I have to put my full weight on it at times.
Also, if anyone reading this is wondering “how do I figure out the right size?” Here’s a couple examples:
