Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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So....where's a good place online to get a mobility cane ? (self.Blind)
submitted by Type_ya_name_here
i made a post recently about getting a mobility cane and as usual you all echo'd the same points i've heard from other sources.
So let's do this - where's a good place online to get a mobility cane?
I'm set to get some training in november and I'd like to get it before then.
I think i need to just *'own'* being a bit different and not give af about what strangers think (if they see me walking around with it with my ear buds in).
So let's do this - where's a good place online to get a mobility cane?
I'm set to get some training in november and I'd like to get it before then.
I think i need to just *'own'* being a bit different and not give af about what strangers think (if they see me walking around with it with my ear buds in).
-shacklebolt- 3 points 5y ago
Primary options are ambutech (through their own site or many online distributors for different countries), NFB which is sold at ecommerce.nfb.org, or revolution canes which are sold by many distributors.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr15/issue1/f1501tc2.html is a great introduction to the ideas of cane travel, but of course is not a substitute or replacement for professional in-person instruction.
The NFB will also send you a free straight cane upon request from https://nfb.org/free-cane-program this is just a plain, non-folding, lightweight white cane with a metal tip if you are in the US. (They do sell folding and telescoping canes for purchase though.)
Your O&M instructor may have specific recommendations or preferences as well that are different than what you initially select, but there's no reason not to have a starter cane until then if you want to, especially if you can afford to switch to a different cane later if you need to.
If you can get in with the organization providing you instruction early to try different canes and tips, or have a shop nearby that sells some (usually associated with large blindness organizations) it can really help to see and try them in person. What you expect from online descriptions can be very different than the impression you get when you're actually trying out different materials and tips.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr15/issue1/f1501tc2.html is a great introduction to the ideas of cane travel, but of course is not a substitute or replacement for professional in-person instruction.
The NFB will also send you a free straight cane upon request from https://nfb.org/free-cane-program this is just a plain, non-folding, lightweight white cane with a metal tip if you are in the US. (They do sell folding and telescoping canes for purchase though.)
Your O&M instructor may have specific recommendations or preferences as well that are different than what you initially select, but there's no reason not to have a starter cane until then if you want to, especially if you can afford to switch to a different cane later if you need to.
If you can get in with the organization providing you instruction early to try different canes and tips, or have a shop nearby that sells some (usually associated with large blindness organizations) it can really help to see and try them in person. What you expect from online descriptions can be very different than the impression you get when you're actually trying out different materials and tips.
ravenshadow2013 2 points 5y ago
you could try Maxiaids.com this is where I get all my adaptation needs met at reasonable prices
KillerLag 2 points 5y ago
You may want to wait until you start with the training. The O&M instructor can measure you out for the cane and discuss what materials and tips may be better suited to your preferences. Also, depending on where you live, your health care provider may subsidize part of the cost of the cane.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 5y ago
Regarding measurement, keep in mind that the length of cane some people are "measured" initially may be different than the length they ultimately find is most useful for them to travel confidently and competently with especially as they become better at cane travel. The length of cane you start with doesn't mean you can't change later, especially if you find that you are consistently having to slow down your walking because of the cane length or aren't detecting things far enough in advance to stop.
KillerLag 2 points 5y ago
You're right. While the "standard" lenth measured is usually to the sternum, some people end up varying the length considerably. Some people get it shorter if they walk slower, and others prefer it much longer (Some of my clients measure their cane up to their nose).
In one (extremely special) circumstance, I had issued an 96 inch cane (no, they don't make canes that size. We had to take apart a cane and add an extra piece to do that). The client wasn't particularly tall, but they were in a wheelchair that was set up in an unusual configuration and they needed the cane long enough to detect drop offs (a 600 pound wheelchair going off a street curb was not a scenario I wanted to happen).
In one (extremely special) circumstance, I had issued an 96 inch cane (no, they don't make canes that size. We had to take apart a cane and add an extra piece to do that). The client wasn't particularly tall, but they were in a wheelchair that was set up in an unusual configuration and they needed the cane long enough to detect drop offs (a 600 pound wheelchair going off a street curb was not a scenario I wanted to happen).
[deleted] 1 points 5y ago
[deleted]
jofish22 2 points 5y ago
I've noticed other people on r/blind suggest http://ambutech.com.
tymme 1 points 5y ago
Wait until the training starts. You should get a sampling of different types of canes, the different tips, etc., to find what works best, as well as a proper "fitting".
If it was like my training, you also get something filed with the state that will provide a folding cane and replacement tip of your choice, free of charge (regardless of insurance), up to once a year if needed.
If it was like my training, you also get something filed with the state that will provide a folding cane and replacement tip of your choice, free of charge (regardless of insurance), up to once a year if needed.
jrs12 1 points 5y ago
I think everyone has hit all the main ones, Maxi Aids, Ambutech, NFB. Have you looked into getting O&M in your area? You may be in for a long wait. Consider a residential program if your schedule allows it, or a program like Leader Dog. It's free and you get a week of one on one training to start you on your way.
[deleted] 1 points 5y ago
[deleted]
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