Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Should I get a cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by The_Anon_Girl_ThrowA
I’m visually impaired, but not low vision. I am corrected to 20/40 vision, have nystagmus, ocular albinism (light sensitivity), and have difficulties reading things along with paying attention to my surroundings sometimes. I also have difficulties with stairs and running on uneven surfaces. I am in no way considered blind or in need of a cane to navigate. I have considered getting a cane for navigating dark areas and getting around at night, but I don’t think I will use it during the day. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it would be wrong of me to use a cane when not requiring it for mobility? Thank you.
matt_may 2 points 4y ago
I stared out using a cane just at night, 20 years ago. Now I use it whenever I leave the house. Good skill to acquire.
zosobaggins 2 points 4y ago
I have an identification cane, which I call my metal alibi. It's a lightweight, shorter white cane without a ball or marshmallow end, and it says to people "I'm low vision, but not total, heads up." I can fold it away and stash it in my pocket if I have to, and it "legitimizes" my vision of I *do* have a "blind moment."
I do use it more at night, or in places where stairs are uniform colours, or even just to suss out where the door is at a flipping Apple Store.
Edit: so, yeah, I'd recommend an ID cane.
Edit two: http://shop.cnib.ca/ProductDetail/can2111016142_ambutech-id-cane-42in that's the one I use.
I do use it more at night, or in places where stairs are uniform colours, or even just to suss out where the door is at a flipping Apple Store.
Edit: so, yeah, I'd recommend an ID cane.
Edit two: http://shop.cnib.ca/ProductDetail/can2111016142_ambutech-id-cane-42in that's the one I use.
The_Anon_Girl_ThrowA [OP] 1 points 4y ago
My university campus is pretty well lit at night big there’s been times where I’ve tripped or had times with stairs and needing to rely on shadows to go down them or just tap with my foot, so I may get one as a precaution
saizai 1 points 4y ago
Sounds to me like you would benefit from a cane pretty regularly.
So the answer is yes, you should.
I have mine on me all the time, even though my vision ranges from fully sighted to fully blind depending on lighting. Gotta be prepared for it, and know what the various nonvisual cues are, because even if I can see at one point, I might not be visual on the way back, and need to know the cane cues to navigate it.
So the answer is yes, you should.
I have mine on me all the time, even though my vision ranges from fully sighted to fully blind depending on lighting. Gotta be prepared for it, and know what the various nonvisual cues are, because even if I can see at one point, I might not be visual on the way back, and need to know the cane cues to navigate it.
mikedoise 1 points 4y ago
I would highly recommend some kind of cane even if it is to detect uneven areas. I am low vision, and do not use a cane all the time I am out, but I always carry one in the event the I need one. I have read that you have corrected 20/40 vision, but since you have other contributing factors, it seems logical that you should use whatever tools work for you.
gracefulltree 1 points 4y ago
Canes are great for stairs and shadows! I only used mine at night for a long time before started needing it during the day.
shadowmarja1976 1 points 4y ago
Sounds like a really good idea. Good luck!
celticfang 1 points 4y ago
Yep I'd get an ID cane, or a symbol cane depending on where you are...though I'd be careful bout forgetting it's in your pocket. I've stabbed my leg more than once. I've also managed to somehow get said cane stuck in interesting places. Admittedly cane fencing in a dumb moment was awesomely funny
OutWestTexas 1 points 4y ago
Yes, get whatever tools you need to be safe.
KillerLag 1 points 4y ago
If you are having difficulty with stairs, using a cane can be quite useful and safer.
There are more than one type of white cane. Many people use an ID cane, which is lighter than a mobility cane. It is useful for checking for depths when going down the stairs, checking for curbs before crossing, and also for helping identify you as having vision loss in a crowded situation.
A fair number of new, elderly clients (who have some vision loss but not much) end up opting for a ID cane, but many others as well who have some vision but still need occasional assistance.
There are more than one type of white cane. Many people use an ID cane, which is lighter than a mobility cane. It is useful for checking for depths when going down the stairs, checking for curbs before crossing, and also for helping identify you as having vision loss in a crowded situation.
A fair number of new, elderly clients (who have some vision loss but not much) end up opting for a ID cane, but many others as well who have some vision but still need occasional assistance.
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