Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Identification canes- helpful or not? (self.Blind)
submitted by Mlchallen
I'm vision impaired from an anoxic brain injury from a surgery in October 2014. My vision used in the few months directly after the surgery was much worse-diplopia, I was unable to read- but has improved a lot since. However, I am still significantly impaired.I was thinking an identification cane could be helpful. I can see cars and most curbs, but I occasionally trip over cracks in the sidewalk and I can't see if a driver is gesturing to me. I've slowly regained a lot of independence since my surgery, and I really don't want to get hit by a car and lose that independence or worse. Having an ID cane might help to communicate my vision impairment in a discreet way.It also could help when riding the bus or walking around a crowded place. I can usually see obstacles but if there's not much contrast it's obviously harder.
I'm a bit concerned of what people would assume about me too. Unless they've done research, most people probably don't know that there's different types of white canes. Would they assume I'm fully blind and try to be annoyingly overly helpful for my level of vision impairment ? Would people try to take advantage by, for example,not giving me the correct amount of change? Or worse, would I be vulnerable to attacks? These might be silly questions but I just don't know.
Basically I'm wondering if an identification cane is more helpful or more of a hindrance.
Also, any tips on seeing the captcha text required to post? I can't see it well and always need help.
I'm a bit concerned of what people would assume about me too. Unless they've done research, most people probably don't know that there's different types of white canes. Would they assume I'm fully blind and try to be annoyingly overly helpful for my level of vision impairment ? Would people try to take advantage by, for example,not giving me the correct amount of change? Or worse, would I be vulnerable to attacks? These might be silly questions but I just don't know.
Basically I'm wondering if an identification cane is more helpful or more of a hindrance.
Also, any tips on seeing the captcha text required to post? I can't see it well and always need help.
thatsnotgneiss 2 points 7y ago
I use a mobility cane mostly as an identification cane since I only need it for mobility when I am in active flareup of my eye disease. It has been a odd experience, because sometimes people are aggressively friendly when it comes to helping. However, my safety is more important, or so I keep telling myself.
Mlchallen [OP] 1 points 7y ago
Do you have any good lines to say to people when they're being aggressively helpful? That would be so annoying to me. Have you ever been in a dangerous situation because of your cane?
thatsnotgneiss 1 points 7y ago
I really wish I did. I should think about it.
I've never been put in a dangerous situation. It tends to be folks who will touch me without permission that makes my hackles rise.
I've never been put in a dangerous situation. It tends to be folks who will touch me without permission that makes my hackles rise.
Mlchallen [OP] 1 points 7y ago
Ugh. That would really bother me too.
geoffisblind 2 points 7y ago
Hey welcome! So first about those captchas, they will go away as your account ages and gains karma but you can email the admins and explain that you are visually impaired and they will take care of you. Unfortunately the mod team can't really help you as that is admin level stuff.
About the ID cane, have you used a standard length mobility cane in the past? I am a mobility cane user and have never used an ID because since I've needed a cane I've needed it to be full length because I need obstacle detection. If you need obstacle detection it may be worth looking into getting some orientation and mobility training and working with a longer cane, but that is entirely personal preference and depends on your situation. I know one person that uses an ID cane and he mostly caries it in his hand in front of him, it seems to work for what he needs.
As for public perception/ taking advantage/ whatever else. It is certainly not a silly thing to ask about but it's going to depend. I have had people be super great to me while carrying a cane, and I've been taken advantage of a couple of times that are super memorable and resulted in me having to call the police. When you start traveling with a cane you need to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, even if you are just carrying one for ID, be sure to maintain situational awareness. I have never had a problem with change, but I am careful about the places where I pay cash, and I mostly stick with my debit card because there is no change at all to worry about. I also know there was a discussion about ID canes in 2015, if you search the sub you will probably find it, but I believe the person inquiring actually started using one and liked it. Anyway, hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions, best of luck to you!
About the ID cane, have you used a standard length mobility cane in the past? I am a mobility cane user and have never used an ID because since I've needed a cane I've needed it to be full length because I need obstacle detection. If you need obstacle detection it may be worth looking into getting some orientation and mobility training and working with a longer cane, but that is entirely personal preference and depends on your situation. I know one person that uses an ID cane and he mostly caries it in his hand in front of him, it seems to work for what he needs.
As for public perception/ taking advantage/ whatever else. It is certainly not a silly thing to ask about but it's going to depend. I have had people be super great to me while carrying a cane, and I've been taken advantage of a couple of times that are super memorable and resulted in me having to call the police. When you start traveling with a cane you need to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, even if you are just carrying one for ID, be sure to maintain situational awareness. I have never had a problem with change, but I am careful about the places where I pay cash, and I mostly stick with my debit card because there is no change at all to worry about. I also know there was a discussion about ID canes in 2015, if you search the sub you will probably find it, but I believe the person inquiring actually started using one and liked it. Anyway, hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions, best of luck to you!
Mlchallen [OP] 1 points 7y ago
Good to know the captchas will eventually go away! I had another Reddit account before my surgery, but since I didn't use it often I completely forgot my login info, another effect of the anoxic brain injury. Where would I find out who's an admin so I can message them?
Whatever reasons you've had to call police for are what really worries me about using a cane. I'm thinking it's probably not going to be worth it.i only fell from tripping once on a particularly gnarly section of sidewalk by my apartment. I've since memorized where it's uneven and the city or someone marked it with bright paint, so it won't happen again, at least not there .
I have never used a cane of any kind, no. At first I was given the impression that my vision impairment was temporary. Then at my first ophthalmologist appointment last February they told me it would never improve- and that was when I still had diplopia. So I was never really in the position to try a cane out. For the short time I thought it would never improve I was too devastated to seek accommodations. And when I thought it was temporary I figured there was no point in getting used to it.
Thank you so much for your input!
Whatever reasons you've had to call police for are what really worries me about using a cane. I'm thinking it's probably not going to be worth it.i only fell from tripping once on a particularly gnarly section of sidewalk by my apartment. I've since memorized where it's uneven and the city or someone marked it with bright paint, so it won't happen again, at least not there .
I have never used a cane of any kind, no. At first I was given the impression that my vision impairment was temporary. Then at my first ophthalmologist appointment last February they told me it would never improve- and that was when I still had diplopia. So I was never really in the position to try a cane out. For the short time I thought it would never improve I was too devastated to seek accommodations. And when I thought it was temporary I figured there was no point in getting used to it.
Thank you so much for your input!
geoffisblind 1 points 7y ago
You can contact them $1 using the "message the admins" button at the bottom. They are great and will take care of you, not just for this sub but for everywhere else. Just send them a quick message explaining the situation and they will take that restriction away for you.
I don't want to discourage you from trying a cane though, and reading over I feel like I might have. It is very much a personal issue, but regardless of the issues I've had, I wouldn't give up using a cane for any of that. It has been so useful and it has saved me and continues to save me from tripping and being injured countless times every week. A memorable example of this was trying to find my way in the dark on a light rail platform that I don't travel often where I almost stepped off the platform with what has to be at least a four foot drop onto the rails. I have also taken extra measures to handle people with less than good intentions. I think the biggest thing about canes for me is that while I know my home area, there are things I can't account for. People leaving things on the sidewalk, or going new places where I am not aware of problems can be a huge problem. For that reason I will continue to use a cane because it really does increase my independence and my ability to travel wherever I went when I want. Just things to think about.
I don't want to discourage you from trying a cane though, and reading over I feel like I might have. It is very much a personal issue, but regardless of the issues I've had, I wouldn't give up using a cane for any of that. It has been so useful and it has saved me and continues to save me from tripping and being injured countless times every week. A memorable example of this was trying to find my way in the dark on a light rail platform that I don't travel often where I almost stepped off the platform with what has to be at least a four foot drop onto the rails. I have also taken extra measures to handle people with less than good intentions. I think the biggest thing about canes for me is that while I know my home area, there are things I can't account for. People leaving things on the sidewalk, or going new places where I am not aware of problems can be a huge problem. For that reason I will continue to use a cane because it really does increase my independence and my ability to travel wherever I went when I want. Just things to think about.
Mlchallen [OP] 1 points 7y ago
Are my comments being sent as a pm? I'm trying to just reply to comments but other people's comments are going to my inbox... I'm new, as is obvious by now!
I just don't know about the cane. You did scare me a bit to be honest, but it was what I already suspected could be a problem with using one. I night start using a new light rail line near me, but for example I think I would be able to see the drop, but maybe not. I suppose in situations like that where I'm not positive I would be able to see a potential danger it would be useful.Decisions, decisions...
I just don't know about the cane. You did scare me a bit to be honest, but it was what I already suspected could be a problem with using one. I night start using a new light rail line near me, but for example I think I would be able to see the drop, but maybe not. I suppose in situations like that where I'm not positive I would be able to see a potential danger it would be useful.Decisions, decisions...
geoffisblind 1 points 7y ago
It is being submitted in the thread, but when I respond to you it will send a message to your inbox as a comment reply to notify you that someone responded (in this case me). It can be a little confusing at first but you'll get it!
I'm sorry I scared you about the cane a little, there isn't really an easy answer and I don't think it's fair to say that it will never catch the eye of someone who has bad intentions. It happens, and it's an unfortunate part of life, and I do unfortunately speak from experience. But to offer a bit of contrast, when I was tripping over concrete, and walking extra slow, and having to constantly scan and rescan the ground in front of me to determine if it was safe to take a step I was also vulnerable. This also resulted in me having an entirely separate issue with a guy at a bus stop prior to using a cane, my lack of physical confidence when traveling likely had something to do with the reason why he approached me and started messing with me. I am convinced that the confidence in the way I walk now with a cane makes up for the obvious broadcasted vulnerability. I also currently live in the middle of a city with a less than ideal crime rate, if you live in a pretty safe area then I can't imagine it being a big issue.
Here's another thing that was told to me when I was going through the exact same line of thought while I was deciding whether a cane would be right for me, you absolutely, 100% do not have to use it all the time. If you are in an area where you are not worried about obstacles, you can fold it up and throw it in your bag. I always opt use mine but that's my personal preference. I know of a lot of people who just use it when they feel they need it and that works for them. I would also suggest you get in touch with a local Orientation and Mobility specialist and ask them for their input since it is their job to assess how a mobility aid might help you, many are funded through non-profits or the state (at least in the US) and can offer valuable, professional insight on the situation at no cost to you. O&M specialists have helped me with every decision I've had to make on this front and I'm very grateful for their insight. It was one O&M that convinced me to at least try a cane and it increased my mobility and independence significantly. After one of my aforementioned incidents I was advised to start looking into getting a guide dog by an O&M, and a little under a year and a half later I am just weeks away from flying out to train with my first service animal. There isn't an easy answer to the question of "do I get a cane?" it takes a lot of thought and consideration on your part and there are some huge pros and huge cons. You just have to weigh them and figure out if the cons are worth it to you. For me they absolutely are, but for you they very well may end up not being worth it, and that is totally okay.
I'm sorry I scared you about the cane a little, there isn't really an easy answer and I don't think it's fair to say that it will never catch the eye of someone who has bad intentions. It happens, and it's an unfortunate part of life, and I do unfortunately speak from experience. But to offer a bit of contrast, when I was tripping over concrete, and walking extra slow, and having to constantly scan and rescan the ground in front of me to determine if it was safe to take a step I was also vulnerable. This also resulted in me having an entirely separate issue with a guy at a bus stop prior to using a cane, my lack of physical confidence when traveling likely had something to do with the reason why he approached me and started messing with me. I am convinced that the confidence in the way I walk now with a cane makes up for the obvious broadcasted vulnerability. I also currently live in the middle of a city with a less than ideal crime rate, if you live in a pretty safe area then I can't imagine it being a big issue.
Here's another thing that was told to me when I was going through the exact same line of thought while I was deciding whether a cane would be right for me, you absolutely, 100% do not have to use it all the time. If you are in an area where you are not worried about obstacles, you can fold it up and throw it in your bag. I always opt use mine but that's my personal preference. I know of a lot of people who just use it when they feel they need it and that works for them. I would also suggest you get in touch with a local Orientation and Mobility specialist and ask them for their input since it is their job to assess how a mobility aid might help you, many are funded through non-profits or the state (at least in the US) and can offer valuable, professional insight on the situation at no cost to you. O&M specialists have helped me with every decision I've had to make on this front and I'm very grateful for their insight. It was one O&M that convinced me to at least try a cane and it increased my mobility and independence significantly. After one of my aforementioned incidents I was advised to start looking into getting a guide dog by an O&M, and a little under a year and a half later I am just weeks away from flying out to train with my first service animal. There isn't an easy answer to the question of "do I get a cane?" it takes a lot of thought and consideration on your part and there are some huge pros and huge cons. You just have to weigh them and figure out if the cons are worth it to you. For me they absolutely are, but for you they very well may end up not being worth it, and that is totally okay.
andytuba 1 points 7y ago
Moda can help with captcha by adding a person as an approved submitter to a subreddit. it's on only for that subreddit, though, so asking the admins, or just building up your account history and verifying your email, is the better reddit wide solution.
geoffisblind 3 points 7y ago
As a general rule we add new users to the approved submitter list to keep Automoderator from taking action against users we know are legitimate. Like you said though, if people are trying to use the rest of Reddit then there is nothing we can do here and the Admins are the best resource for making the whole experience easier.
awesomesaucesaywhat 1 points 7y ago
My vision deteriorated last October and I've been using a long cane since November. The best thing I was told was that if it helped me, I could use it. If it didn't help in a situation or made me very self conscious, I could opt to not use it. The cane is really there for you, there aren't set rules about when you use it.
I personally really like the cane. It took a while to get used to but now I feel much more comfortable using it. It's great to know that the sidewalk doesn't end right in front of me, or there isn't a sudden curb.
I don't know much about ID canes but even with a long cane people don't seem to realize what it's for. On the plus side, people move out of my way and pull their kids out of my way too!
I personally really like the cane. It took a while to get used to but now I feel much more comfortable using it. It's great to know that the sidewalk doesn't end right in front of me, or there isn't a sudden curb.
I don't know much about ID canes but even with a long cane people don't seem to realize what it's for. On the plus side, people move out of my way and pull their kids out of my way too!
Mlchallen [OP] 1 points 7y ago
That all is good to know, thanks! I think it's weird if most people don't realize what it's for-I knew that a white cane meant some degree of vision impairment long before I myself was vision impaired!
awesomesaucesaywhat 2 points 7y ago
I know! I'm constantly amazed that some people either don't know or aren't paying enough attention. But that's life :)
Unuhi 1 points 7y ago
Sometimes blind folks donʻt exactly make it easier either.
Some use a cane with some residual/central/peripheral/usable sight - while some are totals with no light perception.
Iʻve met cane users who read regular print, or have made comments about my odd hair colors (green, purple, red etc - why not?), or about my odd medical glasses or shades... Confusing.
I have mine with me but itʻs usually in the purse and use it in new places or when i donʻt see (so when itʻs not a midday sun in tropics) or might need to ask for some help. Nighttime itʻs definitly for obstacle detection on the way for bus stop etc.
Iʻm not comfortable using it because you can never guess peopleʻs reactins, and i feel like i suddenly turn too visible, to an easy target.
(Yes, thank you, random helper, i know how to cross a road, how to identify a bus, how to get to the bus stop iʻm going to etc. Please never touch me, I get terrified)
Some use a cane with some residual/central/peripheral/usable sight - while some are totals with no light perception.
Iʻve met cane users who read regular print, or have made comments about my odd hair colors (green, purple, red etc - why not?), or about my odd medical glasses or shades... Confusing.
I have mine with me but itʻs usually in the purse and use it in new places or when i donʻt see (so when itʻs not a midday sun in tropics) or might need to ask for some help. Nighttime itʻs definitly for obstacle detection on the way for bus stop etc.
Iʻm not comfortable using it because you can never guess peopleʻs reactins, and i feel like i suddenly turn too visible, to an easy target.
(Yes, thank you, random helper, i know how to cross a road, how to identify a bus, how to get to the bus stop iʻm going to etc. Please never touch me, I get terrified)
Mlchallen [OP] 1 points 7y ago
I can read regular print too. I kind of worried that people would think I didn't really need a cane because of that and the fact that I can generally see where I'm going, so it's good to know there's such a wide range of cane users.
I think I would probably keep mine in my purse a lot of the time too- when I'm worried about being seen as a target or just generally don't want to draw attention to my vision impairment.
I think I would probably keep mine in my purse a lot of the time too- when I'm worried about being seen as a target or just generally don't want to draw attention to my vision impairment.
Unuhi 2 points 7y ago
So much variety indeed.
I can often roughly figure where bigger paths or crosswalks are but that doesnʻt translate to always seeing the walls (so i end up standing "over there by the wall" waiting for help, right there in the middle od the room) or little things I'll trip on while walking around, sich as free range children.
And in places Iʻve been to before itʻs a lot easier to remember where things are.
I dislike print these days, strongly prefering braille (one-sided). So if Iʻm the customer, Iʻll decide whatʻs reasonable for an accommodation (large print? No thank you if I didnʻt ask for it. So Iʻll either be happy with computer-accessible formats or 3d print).
I can often roughly figure where bigger paths or crosswalks are but that doesnʻt translate to always seeing the walls (so i end up standing "over there by the wall" waiting for help, right there in the middle od the room) or little things I'll trip on while walking around, sich as free range children.
And in places Iʻve been to before itʻs a lot easier to remember where things are.
I dislike print these days, strongly prefering braille (one-sided). So if Iʻm the customer, Iʻll decide whatʻs reasonable for an accommodation (large print? No thank you if I didnʻt ask for it. So Iʻll either be happy with computer-accessible formats or 3d print).
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