Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Clothing to show visual impairment? (self.Blind)
submitted by Torquemahda
My sister had a stroke in January and was recently diagnosed with $1 which left her blind in one eye and with limited vision in the other.
She is very independent and has been trying very hard to get well. She recently has been walking to the store each day and yesterday one of our less noble citizens screamed and honked at her. (Which completely freaked her out.)
She is hoping someone here has some advice on what she can wear or do to show that she is visually impaired and hopefully most people will give her some leeway.
An eyepatch (while cool) will not work as there is still some hope that the eyesight might come back.
She is very independent and has been trying very hard to get well. She recently has been walking to the store each day and yesterday one of our less noble citizens screamed and honked at her. (Which completely freaked her out.)
She is hoping someone here has some advice on what she can wear or do to show that she is visually impaired and hopefully most people will give her some leeway.
An eyepatch (while cool) will not work as there is still some hope that the eyesight might come back.
fastfinge 6 points 7y ago
Has she considered having a white cane? Even if she doesn't need to use it, it is the international symbol of blindness. Plus, most canes have reflective tape on at least part of them, so you're easier for cars to see. Also, depending on where you live, you may be able to get smaller, shorter white canes, intended to be carried by those who are legally blind, as a symbol of blindness, rather than as an actual navigation aid.
MaybeSuicidalRaptor 3 points 7y ago
This. I don't really need a cane but use a cane so others know. Very very effective!
Torquemahda [OP] 2 points 7y ago
Thanks we didn't know about the small white cane. I will look into it right away.
zirophyz 1 points 7y ago
Not intending to hijack this thread. I've been looking for something similar, and really wanted to get a cane. I'm extremely short sighted due to keratoconus, and occasionally need to go in public with no lenses. Things get tricky and chaotic really fast when I can only see about a foot in front of me, and I've been caught out by stairs before as well as crowds of people who just assume I can see.
I usually just latch onto my girlfriend and let her lead me, but I'd just prefer a cane so that people knew I couldn't see and that obstacles have less chance of surprising me.
The ID Cane sounds good. I assume that these can also be used as a navigational aid? Is there a difference between the ID Cane and normal Cane in terms of navigation? Considering my requirements for navigational might be considered more "casual".
I usually just latch onto my girlfriend and let her lead me, but I'd just prefer a cane so that people knew I couldn't see and that obstacles have less chance of surprising me.
The ID Cane sounds good. I assume that these can also be used as a navigational aid? Is there a difference between the ID Cane and normal Cane in terms of navigation? Considering my requirements for navigational might be considered more "casual".
AlexandrinaIsHere 1 points 7y ago
I've heard if people with zero depth perception using the short cane held straight out as a way of avoiding colliding with a wall, or a display in a grocery store.
I imagine it could have similar use for others with limited sight. However- the short cane doesn't reach the ground. If you have trouble seeing your feet you may still want a long cane.
I imagine it could have similar use for others with limited sight. However- the short cane doesn't reach the ground. If you have trouble seeing your feet you may still want a long cane.
Unuhi 1 points 7y ago
If it doesnʻt reach the ground itʻs a bit useless.
ID cane would need a length that is still useful - so use ot as ID daytime, then actually as navigational aid in dark, unknown places, places where you have no coues of obstacles or stairs etc
ID cane would need a length that is still useful - so use ot as ID daytime, then actually as navigational aid in dark, unknown places, places where you have no coues of obstacles or stairs etc
fastfinge 1 points 7y ago
The ID Cane is usually shorter and thinner. Other than that, they're pretty similar, I believe. I don't use one myself though, as I'm totally blind, so YMMV.
zirophyz 2 points 7y ago
Do you use any navigational aid? I worked with a blind programmer, was always amazed that he could walk home from work unassisted though most of the time he had a dog. If you used a cane at all, did you need much training with it? I've always envied how easy the blind make it seem to get around, while here I am falling down stairs and curbs if I can't wear my lenses lol.
fastfinge 1 points 7y ago
Yes, I use a white cane. I'm totally blind, and I got 4 years of training with it, starting when I was age 8 or so. I don't have a dog, largely because I don't love dogs. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate dogs! If you have a dog, I'll pet it just like anyone else...but you can take it home with you when you leave. I hate the mess and the hair and the smell and blah. So it wouldn't be fair for me to have a dog, and just use him as a tool that I don't particularly love.
blind_devotion08 1 points 7y ago
A white cane, as others have mentioned, might help with this. So would sunglasses, especially with a white cane.
I'm still working on my t-shirts that say "Kill Sighty."
I'm still working on my t-shirts that say "Kill Sighty."
Unuhi 1 points 7y ago
Canes were already mentioned. An ID type or basic NFB type (foldable ones are the most practical when you donʻt need it all the time). And if a cane seems scary, add bling or some charms in it so it feels more yours and can be a conversation starter too.
Also go bold with clothes. :)
A t-shirt with bold braille dots text should help get the point across sometimes ;)
Iʻve got 4 t-shirts with braille on them, and a few others that kind of give clues about "visuals".
Wear bold colors, any you like.
Also go bold with clothes. :)
A t-shirt with bold braille dots text should help get the point across sometimes ;)
Iʻve got 4 t-shirts with braille on them, and a few others that kind of give clues about "visuals".
Wear bold colors, any you like.
Torquemahda [OP] 1 points 7y ago
These are all great ideas thank you for your help.
My sister loved the comments - thanks again from her.
My sister loved the comments - thanks again from her.
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