Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Should i use a white cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by [deleted]
[deleted]
jrs12 7 points 4y ago
Yes. You should. Just because you use a cane at night doesn't mean you have to use it all the time. Be confident about it and make it about being your choice that you use it and your friends will accept it. They might have questions. Try to answer their questions as best you can instead of avoiding answering. The more information you can give your friends, the more they can realize the person you are with a cane is the same as you without a cane.
At the very least, try it.
At the very least, try it.
theawesomeaquarist 2 points 4y ago
How long does training take and what's involved and were does it usually happen?
jrs12 1 points 4y ago
If you are in the United States, the training happens at school. Do you have a vision teacher? They will know how to get in contact with a mobility specialist if they aren't one themselves. Depending on your school district, you may do blindfold training, or the training might happen at night (very rare). The programs through school are part of your education and are offered free of charge if you qualify. Services outside of school are a little harder to find. Again, for the US, try Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau of Blindness and Vision services, your local Blind Association, or your local Lighthouse for the Blind. They should all be able to point you in the right direction. Depending on the program, the training can take anywhere from one week to a couple of years. Using a cane is not only about how to use non visual cues to know where you are in space. It's also about learning how to travel safely when your eyes might not always be giving you all the information you need. It's more than learning how to swing a stick.
theawesomeaquarist 1 points 4y ago
I live in the uk
jrs12 1 points 4y ago
I unfortunately don't know very much about the laws that govern schooling or access to services in the UK. There are quite a few people in this sub who do though. You might need to ask your question about how to get services as a separate post with the fact that you are in the UK as the subject to attract advice from the right people. Either way, you are asking the right questions at the right age. You still have plenty of time to figure out what works for you. If you don't mind me asking, what is your best corrected visual acuity?
ratadeacero 6 points 4y ago
Yes. When my wife first had to use a cane, she was apprehensive about it. She thought everyone would be staring at her. I just reminded her thst they were already staring at her because of all her tattoos. Once she started using it, she felt more confident getting around. You might feel a little out of place, but you'll quickly enjoy the benefit.
Plus, canes are magical. I've watched parents yank their kids out of the way. In crowded areas, it's like parting thevRed Sea. People move aside. As an added bonus, my wife will sometimes tap the ankles of obnoxious people "accidentally ". Then, they apologize to her. Get the cane. It will be worth it.
Plus, canes are magical. I've watched parents yank their kids out of the way. In crowded areas, it's like parting thevRed Sea. People move aside. As an added bonus, my wife will sometimes tap the ankles of obnoxious people "accidentally ". Then, they apologize to her. Get the cane. It will be worth it.
SunnyLego 3 points 4y ago
The first time I went out with my Dad, while holding my cane, he said the same thing "IT'S LIKE YOUR'E MOSES PARTING THE RED SEA!"
giveitarestbuddy 5 points 4y ago
I was stubborn about using my cane for similar reasons, and I regret it now. I now use it whenever I leave the house and it's made life so much easier.no more tripping over things, walking into telephone poles, and so much less anxiety about traveling in general. I definitely think you should use one, at least at night. it'll make your life so much easier.
FencingJester 4 points 4y ago
Use it. Your friends will accept it like someone wearing glasses or using a wheelchair, no big deal. If not then it's their problem. The earlier you get going with it the better your skill will be and the bigger positive impact it can have for you.
Drop9Reddit 3 points 4y ago
I was stubborn as a kid. Nowadays it never leaves my side. I never truly appreciated how much it helps communicate quickly to people that I am low vision and may not see things. Whether that be a driver people on a bus or around me.
Terry_Pie 3 points 4y ago
Think about one of thos etimes you'll go out with your friends at night. You're not going to be able to see - or not well at the very least - so you're not going to be able to go around without some assistance. So you'll need to say to your friends "hey, I can't see at night, I need your help" and they'll help you. That's exactly what I used to do when I was your age.
But if you use a cane, you don't need to ask them for help. You can find your own way. It also means they will help you without being asked. If they notice something you haven't, they'll point it out. And if they ask about it, you just say "I'm night blind". Easy as that, you don't need to offer any further explanation.
It's not an easy thing to accept, needing to use a cane. But when you make the commitment and start using it you'll quickly realise you should've done so sooner.
But if you use a cane, you don't need to ask them for help. You can find your own way. It also means they will help you without being asked. If they notice something you haven't, they'll point it out. And if they ask about it, you just say "I'm night blind". Easy as that, you don't need to offer any further explanation.
It's not an easy thing to accept, needing to use a cane. But when you make the commitment and start using it you'll quickly realise you should've done so sooner.
CloudyBeep 2 points 4y ago
If you think you need it, you probably need it. It's better to learn sooner rather than later. I would suggest that you tell your mother when you are alone with her so you won't be immediately judged by other people.
theawesomeaquarist 1 points 4y ago
How old were you when you started using a white cane
theawesomeaquarist 1 points 4y ago
How long does the training take
matt_may 1 points 4y ago
If your family asks why you've changed your mind just tell them it's a sign of maturity to be flexible.
ravingsalmon 1 points 4y ago
OP do you have RP by any chance?
theawesomeaquarist 1 points 4y ago
No I have nystagmus. Very short-sighted and a couple other conditions
ravingsalmon 1 points 4y ago
In any case, as someone with RP, a condition which also effects my low-light and night time vision, I recommend getting yourself a mobility cane. I battled through similar feelings when I was around your age and neglected to get myself a mobility cane until I was 26. It’s needed for your safety, don’t feel bad about it.
Keep in mind, those who care for you will understand and help you. So don’t neglect to take care of yourself!
Keep in mind, those who care for you will understand and help you. So don’t neglect to take care of yourself!
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