Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Should I use a white cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by Cupcakegirl02
I suffer from uncorrectable myopia. (-5.00D & -0.75D Astigmatism) I have visual snow and impaired night vision. My best correction is 20/40 but I have trouble with depth perception and contrast sensitivity. Would I be able to buy cane online and legally use it even as an I.D cane despite not being qualified for one?
pokersnek 12 points 4y ago
If you live in the US, yes. Buy a cane and use it if it makes you feel any safer. There is no cane police who will ask you what your vision is. Drivers will identify you as someone to watch out for.
I don’t know the laws in any other country.
I don’t know the laws in any other country.
SnoobertDoobertDoo 4 points 4y ago
This is also true in Canada.
Derpette4220 8 points 4y ago
While I do think anyone who wants one should have one, I also would strongly recommend you make contact with your local vision loss charity or department. Many of us have to take training that teaches us to use our canes in a way that's safe for everyone around us.
That being said, you can always carry a cane for your comfort that doesn't symbolize blindness, as some jurisdictions only allow the blind to carry white canes.
That being said, you can always carry a cane for your comfort that doesn't symbolize blindness, as some jurisdictions only allow the blind to carry white canes.
multi-instrumental 2 points 4y ago
> as some jurisdictions only allow the blind to carry white canes.
Which countries/jurisdictions? That seems rather strict &or unnecessary as far as laws go.
Which countries/jurisdictions? That seems rather strict &or unnecessary as far as laws go.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 4 points 4y ago
Yeah, I think so too. What's the big deal anyway? Just because you aren't legally blind / totally blind doesn't mean you can see well
Derpette4220 1 points 4y ago
https://www.acb.org/whitecane I'm Canadian, but a Google search brought me to the website of the American Council for the Blind.
Alaska limits white cane use to the blind, Conneticut doesn't allow the sighted to use white canes in any public space, and the same law applies in Louisianna. Just a few examples, it can be specific to your town's bylaws as well.
Alaska limits white cane use to the blind, Conneticut doesn't allow the sighted to use white canes in any public space, and the same law applies in Louisianna. Just a few examples, it can be specific to your town's bylaws as well.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Well according to the New York State Law, (where I live) these are the rules:
(b) No person, unless blind or visually impaired, shall use on any street or highway a cane which is metallic or white in color or white with a red tip.
Penalty:
Pursuant to VTL Section 1800(b)(1), the penalties for a traffic infraction are a fine of $0 to $150 and up to 15 days in jail.
http://law.onecle.com/new-york/vehicle-traffic/VAT01800_1800.html
How do I find out if in allowed to use one? Do I get prescribed one or need proof or something
(b) No person, unless blind or visually impaired, shall use on any street or highway a cane which is metallic or white in color or white with a red tip.
Penalty:
Pursuant to VTL Section 1800(b)(1), the penalties for a traffic infraction are a fine of $0 to $150 and up to 15 days in jail.
http://law.onecle.com/new-york/vehicle-traffic/VAT01800_1800.html
How do I find out if in allowed to use one? Do I get prescribed one or need proof or something
impablomations 1 points 4y ago
You're definitely visually impaired so you would qualify.
Either way no one's going to check. Never heard of a cop or anyone asking for proof of visual impairment in regards to a white cane.
Either way no one's going to check. Never heard of a cop or anyone asking for proof of visual impairment in regards to a white cane.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Then is it still legal to carry one?
Derpette4220 1 points 4y ago
The US Association of Blind Athletes states that low vision classification is given to those with acuity 20/70 or worse.
I recommend getting yourself into Visions Visual Impairment and Blindness Support in New York or contacting your local American Foundation for the Blind.
Either one will be able to obtain you a cane (probably for free). That way when someone says "do you really need that or did you just order it online?" You'll have a good answer.
I doubt any vision assistance organization would turn you away, visual snow is a special symptom not covered by most vision quality classification indexes.
I recommend getting yourself into Visions Visual Impairment and Blindness Support in New York or contacting your local American Foundation for the Blind.
Either one will be able to obtain you a cane (probably for free). That way when someone says "do you really need that or did you just order it online?" You'll have a good answer.
I doubt any vision assistance organization would turn you away, visual snow is a special symptom not covered by most vision quality classification indexes.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
That's true haha but I don't think anyone would ask that often, what's the visions visual impairment and blindness support in New York? And where is it located?
Derpette4220 1 points 4y ago
VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a non-profit organization in NY, NY that advocates for and assists the blind and visually impaired. It's at 500 Greenwich Street, New York, NY. A quick search on Google for blind services or support in your town might help you find some closer to your home. Most towns have a blind support office of some kind.
Amonwilde 3 points 4y ago
Legally you won't have right of way as a blind person would when crossing the street in an improper place, though that law isn't universal anyway. Other than that, go wild. Though as someone who doesn't use a cane with 20/800 vision, one or the other or both of us must be kind of weird.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
So, I can't use it to cross the street? And wow! How can you do that! I have 20/500 vision without my glasses and I can't even recognize faces, nevermind, everything in the distance looks like I'm trying to see through wax paper haha
Amonwilde 1 points 4y ago
You can use it to cross the street, but in many areas there is a law that blind people who carry a white cane get special protections under the law. They have right of way even if they would otherwise be considered to be crossing the street improperly. So you can cross but you won't be eligible for the special protection under the law. Your vision would have to be about 5x worse or have a narrow field of vision. But in practice this only matters if you're hit by a car or similar.
I just bought a cane but I haven't used it on the street yet. I guess I hear a lot of stuff because when a train comes or something I often have to stop for a bit. And no I can't recognize faces or read print, period.
I just bought a cane but I haven't used it on the street yet. I guess I hear a lot of stuff because when a train comes or something I often have to stop for a bit. And no I can't recognize faces or read print, period.
Unthinkster 2 points 4y ago
Hi, Amonwilde. Never posted here before but I've been totally blind all my life and always have used a cane. Just want to let you know that buying a cane was the right decision to make. There's no shame in using a cane! Many people are afraid to use it because they think it makes them look dependent, but it's actually a symbol of independence and freedom! Also have you ever heard of the National Federation of the Blind? I'm a member.
Amonwilde 1 points 4y ago
Thanks! I do know that canes are an awesome symbol of independence and in some sense I'm proud to have one. But for me it feels kind of like coming out of the closet. Most people in my life aren't aware of the extent of my vision deterioration and it will affect how they see me, and as a low (increasingly low) vision person there are a lot more explanations. Not everyone reacts equally well, there is still a huge stigma and sighted people have all sorts of weird associations and ignorance.
tl;dr I should use my cane all the time but I don't for stupid reasons.
tl;dr I should use my cane all the time but I don't for stupid reasons.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Thanks for the information, I have enough vision to not get hit with a car haha anyways I can't read any prints either so thats a problem I guess lol
ScarReincarnated 3 points 4y ago
Blind services gives them free.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
I'm not sure if they'll give me one if I'm not legally blind?
penguin_rider222 4 points 4y ago
If you feel safer with a cane, you are entitled to one. “Blindness” is, to some extent, subjective. It reflects the unique challenges you personally face
matt_may 2 points 4y ago
I really hope you’re not driving! How is your visual field?
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
My visual field is fine! And I'm not driving at the moment haha hopefully I could get low vision bioptic lenses for driving one day
Unthinkster 2 points 4y ago
KillerLag 2 points 4y ago
The easiest way to tell if someone needs to use a mobility cane is, can they travel without any safety issues? If they are bumping into things (poles, glass doors, chairs) or tripping on edges/curbs/drop offs, then the safest thing is to use a white cane.
If you are fine for traveling but would prefer something to help identify you as having vision loss, you can get an ID cane. Many people use those for crossing the streets and stairs, but put them away when they don't need them.
If you are fine for traveling but would prefer something to help identify you as having vision loss, you can get an ID cane. Many people use those for crossing the streets and stairs, but put them away when they don't need them.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Yes I recently bruised my leg hitting the corner of a table haha. I can't see the ground below me at night so I usually walk into things, I use a colored light to help and people get out of my way but it's hard to tell what's around me while I'm staring at the ground. During the day I don't need it as much
KillerLag 2 points 4y ago
Yeah, night blindness is a common issue. Some people only use canes during some situations. A cane may be beneficial for low light travel. The canes are also coated with a reflective layer to make it more visible at night.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Yes I think I'll need it for that. If I customize my cane to be white with pink instead of red would it signify I'm not totally blind? My opthalmologist said my night blindness is due to myopia and I should see with my glasses on, but they actually don't help me. I can't see in dim or dark light, only with my glasses I can see in dim light but onces it's completely dark out I can't see even with glasses. While I'm in the car I can see just one car ahead of us and that's it, I have bad depth perception at night and I can't see people at all, if it wasn't for lights on cars I wouldn't see them eiether but I would know if there was one near cause I can hear them. I can see buildings or houses with lights but sometimes if homes don't have any lights I might not see them. I can read street signs since they're reflective but street lights don't really help me. Sometimes I take off my glasses at night and only wear them when I really need to. Why can't I see in the dark even with corrective lenses? Is this due to visual snow? Or is it because my visions uncorrectable?
KillerLag 2 points 4y ago
https://ambutech.com/shop-online/aluminum-mobility-cane
You can choose pink for the grip, the tip and even the shaft if you so wish. Many people are surprised to find the colours don't mean as much as people think. There actually is no standard for white canes around the world (in Russian, they are usually black. In poorer countries, they take what gets donated, which leads to an interesting mish-mash). While white is the most recognizable, you can pick whatever you want that gets the job done (for safety to prevent impacts). Using a non-standard colour would make people less likely to recognize it, though.
There are two primary reasons why people have trouble seeing at night (although there can be many more). The most common one is the pupil has trouble regulating how much light goes into the eye, and the retina doesn't get enough (or too much, which can be why some lights are blinding at night). The other is the rods in the eye are damaged, and they are more sensitive to lower light conditions. When that happens, the retina itself isn't able to receive the light.
You should talk to your doctor about the night blindness issue, they would have more knowledge of your medical history and (hopefully) explain it a little more. Depending on where you live, you should also talk to a Low Vision Assessor to see if they can discuss it a bit more and see what items may be able to help you (for some people, yellow tints on glasses help them see in low light conditions).
You can choose pink for the grip, the tip and even the shaft if you so wish. Many people are surprised to find the colours don't mean as much as people think. There actually is no standard for white canes around the world (in Russian, they are usually black. In poorer countries, they take what gets donated, which leads to an interesting mish-mash). While white is the most recognizable, you can pick whatever you want that gets the job done (for safety to prevent impacts). Using a non-standard colour would make people less likely to recognize it, though.
There are two primary reasons why people have trouble seeing at night (although there can be many more). The most common one is the pupil has trouble regulating how much light goes into the eye, and the retina doesn't get enough (or too much, which can be why some lights are blinding at night). The other is the rods in the eye are damaged, and they are more sensitive to lower light conditions. When that happens, the retina itself isn't able to receive the light.
You should talk to your doctor about the night blindness issue, they would have more knowledge of your medical history and (hopefully) explain it a little more. Depending on where you live, you should also talk to a Low Vision Assessor to see if they can discuss it a bit more and see what items may be able to help you (for some people, yellow tints on glasses help them see in low light conditions).
zombiegamer723 1 points 4y ago
I have one. (Can only see 3 - 5 feet ahead of me, no night vision).
It's handy for unlevel surfaces and dark areas.
It's also handy for those people that like to block up the entire hallway. Like a blind Moses parting the Red Sea, according to a friend of mine.
It's handy for unlevel surfaces and dark areas.
It's also handy for those people that like to block up the entire hallway. Like a blind Moses parting the Red Sea, according to a friend of mine.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Wow! I can't see 8 inches past my face without lenses not sure about with them, but I have bad night vision I use a light to see the ground but that's hard because then I can't see things around me since I'm walking with my head down! People move out of my way so maybe they realize I can't see well but its hard to tell where I'm going just looking at the ground.
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