Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Issues With Canes? (self.Blind)
submitted by genosgrande
Hi, I'm working on a school project for visually impaired users and I was wondering if anyone had any issues or features they would want to add to their cane. I've been reading about different techniques for using the cane, different tips, etc. and it seems like it covers majority of the things needed for travel. Is there anything you wish people would improve for the cane? What are some of the features you really like about your cane? Also, I was wondering how visually impaired people see tell what is behind them. Thank you very much!
k00l_m00se 4 points 6y ago
I have no issues with mine. This question gets asked a lot, and the response is the same every time. It's really hard, bordering on impossible to make the cane better
genosgrande [OP] 0 points 6y ago
Do you have any issues with crossing the streets? I've also heard that big open areas are difficult since there aren't any reference objects.
k00l_m00se 3 points 6y ago
Nah I don't mind open areas, or street crossing
FlashingRedBobOmb 2 points 6y ago
I don't use my cane all the time, so I have a lightweight one that folds up into 7 sections. I wish I could get a sturdier one that could become that short (maybe a bit larger diameter or something). The more heavy duty canes typically fold into 4 sections, which makes them a few inches too long to easily carry in my bag.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 6y ago
Which cane do you have? Ambutech sells their standard [graphite cane]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/graphite-mobility-cane) in up to 6 sections. You might have to order from them (minimum $50 order) or contact your distributor and ask them to order it for you to get it.
The NFB also sells a fantastic [carbon fiber]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=978&cat=1&ph=&keywords=&recor=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=) 7 section folding cane. It is very lightweight but is definitely a full mobility cane.
I own an ambutech grapite in the 6 section design, and it is the heaviest cane I would personally use for sure.
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/graphite-mobility-cane) in up to 6 sections. You might have to order from them (minimum $50 order) or contact your distributor and ask them to order it for you to get it.
The NFB also sells a fantastic [carbon fiber]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=978&cat=1&ph=&keywords=&recor=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=) 7 section folding cane. It is very lightweight but is definitely a full mobility cane.
I own an ambutech grapite in the 6 section design, and it is the heaviest cane I would personally use for sure.
FlashingRedBobOmb 1 points 6y ago
Ooh, thanks. I'll look into the NFB one! I have an Ambutech, but it's the slim-line, which, I guess right there is the reason for it being a such a lightweight. I bought it because I really only need light duty cane and mostly use it as an ID cane and for navigating stairs and finding curbs in bad lighting, so I figured it would be fine. I love how small it becomes when folded. I was just a little disappointed with _how_ "light duty" it actually is.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 6y ago
I think you'll be pleased with the NFB cane if you're looking for something small but functional, it's one of my favorites. It's still light and small (although not as much as the slimline ambutech!) but really is designed for full mobility use too.
Be sure to pick up a few spare tips when you order yours, as metal NFB style tips won't last as long as some plastic ones (but they're only $2, so it works out about the same.)
Be sure to pick up a few spare tips when you order yours, as metal NFB style tips won't last as long as some plastic ones (but they're only $2, so it works out about the same.)
FlashingRedBobOmb 1 points 6y ago
That sounds like it may be perfect. Thanks so much. :)
[deleted] 0 points 6y ago
[deleted]
KillerLag 2 points 6y ago
Generally speaking, most people with vision loss can identify what is behind them through three different ways. 1) Remembering the item is there from a previous trip, 2) feeling it with the cane, then walking past it and 3) hearing the item (if it makes a sound or through echolocation).
If they are low vision, they can also turn around and possibly see it.
This question gets asked a fair bit, and there is one issue that I've found comes up often, that doesn't have a good compromise. There are a few different types of tips for the cane (pencil, marshmallow, roller, ball tip, etc). The more sensitive the tip (the pencil and new marshmallow ones especially) get stuck in crack a fair bit (especially if someone is just learning and haven't learned all the different techniques yet). You can use a less sensitive one that rolls over the cracks (ball tip or roller), but sometimes they aren't sensitive enough.
And Ambutech's Dakota disk tip.... I can see why they sell it, but it doesn't really tell you much of anything.
https://ambutech.com/shop-online/dakota-disk
If they are low vision, they can also turn around and possibly see it.
This question gets asked a fair bit, and there is one issue that I've found comes up often, that doesn't have a good compromise. There are a few different types of tips for the cane (pencil, marshmallow, roller, ball tip, etc). The more sensitive the tip (the pencil and new marshmallow ones especially) get stuck in crack a fair bit (especially if someone is just learning and haven't learned all the different techniques yet). You can use a less sensitive one that rolls over the cracks (ball tip or roller), but sometimes they aren't sensitive enough.
And Ambutech's Dakota disk tip.... I can see why they sell it, but it doesn't really tell you much of anything.
https://ambutech.com/shop-online/dakota-disk
genosgrande [OP] 0 points 6y ago
How do you cross the street safely? I've noticed a lot of people listening for car movements if there isn't the crosswalk chirp thing and they sometimes move off course into the curb or something.
Would you say a tip that can somehow combine the sensitivity of a pencil tip with the ball tip would be good? What do the pencil tips tell you that a ball tip can't?
Would you say a tip that can somehow combine the sensitivity of a pencil tip with the ball tip would be good? What do the pencil tips tell you that a ball tip can't?
-shacklebolt- 4 points 6y ago
> if there isn't the crosswalk chirp thing
Blind or sighted, you should be paying attention to the actual pattern of traffic before crossing. The chirping isn't necessary, because the chirp (or the stop and walk visuals) don't actually tell you if the road is safe.
> and they sometimes move off course into the curb or something.
It's totally normal not to be able to walk a perfect straight line blind, and if you're not in a wheelchair (or using a walker or stroller) there's no reason why you have to hit the curb cut at the other end of the street. If a curb cut points to the center of the street or intersection I will even purposely walk around it.
Sounds like you're looking for problems that might not exist to solve.
Blind or sighted, you should be paying attention to the actual pattern of traffic before crossing. The chirping isn't necessary, because the chirp (or the stop and walk visuals) don't actually tell you if the road is safe.
> and they sometimes move off course into the curb or something.
It's totally normal not to be able to walk a perfect straight line blind, and if you're not in a wheelchair (or using a walker or stroller) there's no reason why you have to hit the curb cut at the other end of the street. If a curb cut points to the center of the street or intersection I will even purposely walk around it.
Sounds like you're looking for problems that might not exist to solve.
genosgrande [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Maybe... So is the tip the only problem you can think of? Maybe I can try to create a compromise of a more sensitive tip that can roll over terrain as well. I've heard from users that navigating crowded areas like bookstores can be difficult because of all the shelves.
-shacklebolt- 1 points 6y ago
I wasn't the person who mentioned the tips. I have no problem with the type of tip I use (NFB metal.) There have been many attempts to innovate "more useful" tips that have not been so.
If someone has trouble getting through a bookstore, they need more practice or orientation and mobility training.
If someone has trouble getting through a bookstore, they need more practice or orientation and mobility training.
cupcake6740 1 points 6y ago
FIX THE SHEDDING
I have got so many splinters from the graphite(?) in the canes. I'm still a beginner as I just now started receiving services. I'm visually impaired, not blind so I often times think I can see more than I really can and will grab the top and cut myself while compacting it. Also, it gets stuck sometimes or is hard to compact. Other than that they're amazing and easily replaceable when then shed.
I have got so many splinters from the graphite(?) in the canes. I'm still a beginner as I just now started receiving services. I'm visually impaired, not blind so I often times think I can see more than I really can and will grab the top and cut myself while compacting it. Also, it gets stuck sometimes or is hard to compact. Other than that they're amazing and easily replaceable when then shed.
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