Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Should I use a cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by morrisdelancey
So here's some background- I'm a 17 year old boy who has 20/400 acuity in both eyes due to optic nerve damage, which is, in turn, due to a period of swelling in my brain from a PANDAS-affected strep infection. I lost my sight around three and a half years ago, but, due to the fact that I also had a lot of mobility problems at the time (which have since been dealt with, as my brain itself had no permanent damage), my vision has kind of been put on the backburner.
We've just gotten that diagnosis, because I got strep again a few months back, so things have settled down enough for the focus to shift to my independence and functionality.
I do think I might need a cane, because, although I do fine in familiar environments, I do run into things a fair amount of the time when I'm, say, at the mall with friends. I also do alright at school most of the time, but I tend to step on people in crowded hallways and run into non-stationary objects, such as doors that are open only sometimes, rolling trashcans, etc...
However, I'm worried about whether my parents will allow me to use a cane, and whether it will cause problems in the Health Science Academy I'm attending for sterility reasons.
Any advice?
We've just gotten that diagnosis, because I got strep again a few months back, so things have settled down enough for the focus to shift to my independence and functionality.
I do think I might need a cane, because, although I do fine in familiar environments, I do run into things a fair amount of the time when I'm, say, at the mall with friends. I also do alright at school most of the time, but I tend to step on people in crowded hallways and run into non-stationary objects, such as doors that are open only sometimes, rolling trashcans, etc...
However, I'm worried about whether my parents will allow me to use a cane, and whether it will cause problems in the Health Science Academy I'm attending for sterility reasons.
Any advice?
Amonwilde 13 points 4y ago
Generally speaking, if you're asking if you should use a cane, you should use a cane. 20/400 is legally blind. With that said, it's your choice. You can have a cane and only use it sometimes, and you can carry it and keep it folded as a signal to others.
I don't know why your cane would be considered non-sterile, but you could not use it there and use it everywhere else, or buy two canes and keep one sterilized for use within the lab and not take it out. Canes are not that expensive and you can get free ones, buy a nice one and use the free one in the lab.
I don't know why your cane would be considered non-sterile, but you could not use it there and use it everywhere else, or buy two canes and keep one sterilized for use within the lab and not take it out. Canes are not that expensive and you can get free ones, buy a nice one and use the free one in the lab.
KillerLag 5 points 4y ago
A cane would not be sterile, if it is outside and in the enviroment. But unless you are bringing it into a operating theatre, it shouldn't be an issue. You should be able to bring the cane to the same places you can bring a pen.
ZippyTWP 7 points 4y ago
Yeah, if you think you may need one, you need one. My acuity is almost perfect (minor correction with glasses), but my peripheral has gone to hell. Night vision? That's rich. And I use a cane. Definitely the best decision I ever made.
BlackKingBarTender 6 points 4y ago
Hi I’m a grad student in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. I’m no expert on mobility but I recommend that you get an orientation and mobility specialist, if you haven’t already, because they are the experts. They teach non-visual travel skills and can make recommendations as to cane or no cane. If they make a recommendation for cane use (which I expect they will) hopefully your parents will listen. Even when you have a cane, if you can travel safely in familiar environments without the cane you can just not use it when you don’t need it. At the very least it would be beneficial to carry an ID cane for street crossings or traveling outside at night because it will let drivers and other pedestrians know you may not be able to see them.
Imdarkj 5 points 4y ago
I have 20/200 with issues with light and i always carry a cane on me. Its honestly very useful for identification purposes. If im ever in a situation where i need for someone to know im legally blind i can instantly take it out and start using it. A lot of people dont get that their are people with visually impairments that arent 100% blind lol
saharacanuck 5 points 4y ago
Canes are helpful, not just for avoiding obstacles, but also for being more visible to other pedestrians and cars, and for increasing your confidence. It’s your choice, it’s a good to get training, someone else can probably tell you where to get cane training and get help choosing a cane that works for you. If at the end of it you decide you don’t like it, that’s okay. But at least you will have learned the skill. Good luck on your journey.
Edit: why wouldn’t your parents let you use a cane? This is your choice and your life and independence. There may be stigma related to the cane, but that’s something you can work through.
Edit: why wouldn’t your parents let you use a cane? This is your choice and your life and independence. There may be stigma related to the cane, but that’s something you can work through.
Sommiel 3 points 4y ago
Why wouldn't your parents allow you to use a cane?
I really didn't want a cane because I thought as a female that it might make me a target. My trainer (and you will need mobility and orientation training) told me that his cane wasn't a target, it was a weapon.
I really didn't want a cane because I thought as a female that it might make me a target. My trainer (and you will need mobility and orientation training) told me that his cane wasn't a target, it was a weapon.
morrisdelancey [OP] 1 points 4y ago
My parents want to draw as little attention to me as possible in a social sense.
FrankenGretchen 6 points 4y ago
That's their problem. You're talking about autonomy and independence. If having the cane helps you with those and you're comfortable with it, use it. People will think what they will no matter what you use or not so use what works best for you.
TwistyTurret 4 points 4y ago
Would they also refuse to let you use a wheelchair or sign language? You have a right to be independent and mobile. You have to do what is best for you and your life.
morrisdelancey [OP] 3 points 4y ago
Honestly? They probably would.
TwistyTurret 3 points 4y ago
I'm sorry they are not compassionate and understanding.
GoBlindOrGoHome 3 points 4y ago
I'm 20/400 in my worst eye, 20/200 with my better eye. I'm twenty-two, and I really love using my long cane. I used to hurt myself all the time, now almost never.
Headphone-Actress 2 points 4y ago
You probably should, even if you don’t necessarily use it to detect objects 24/7. I use mine more as a walking stick, but it really helps other people / cars / bikes know that I’m legally blind and can’t see them.
jrs12 2 points 4y ago
Do you go to school in the states? You should be able to get mobility training and a cane through school.
morrisdelancey [OP] 2 points 4y ago
I do, but the only thing in my IEP is to sit in the front row, which is useless.
jrs12 4 points 4y ago
Dear lord! You should have so much more, including an orientation and mobility evaluation. You guys need to ask for that. You can ask for it. If you ask, it legally has to be done.
TheBlindBookLover 1 points 4y ago
Hi. PLEASE PLEASE ask your parents to hold another IEP. A teacher for the visually impaired and orientation and mobility specialist can help you learn countless tools and techniques to help you do daily tasks safely and independently with vision loss. Until your school district can provide you with a cane and training, I would look into the free cane program of the National Federation of the Blind. I hope that this helps.
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