Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Anyone use an ID cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by throwawayVI3
I’m visually impaired and low vision (however a specialist told me I’m borderline between legally blind/low vision), I also have myopia and get eye strain *very* easily.
In O&M training, they suggested an ID cane for during the day. I often run into people/don’t see them in crowded places or out in public on a busy day and this would be wonderful to have. When my eye is tried, obviously it gets harder for me to focus on what’s around me. They said this will help others give me some space when I travel and people will be more understanding if I don’t notice them. The only thing is I obviously wouldn’t be using it to scan my horizons and I’m wondering if this is actually effective or do people get confused since I’m not using it to scan?
I will also be learning to use a traditional white cane, just for dusk/the dark when my vision is not significant enough.
In O&M training, they suggested an ID cane for during the day. I often run into people/don’t see them in crowded places or out in public on a busy day and this would be wonderful to have. When my eye is tried, obviously it gets harder for me to focus on what’s around me. They said this will help others give me some space when I travel and people will be more understanding if I don’t notice them. The only thing is I obviously wouldn’t be using it to scan my horizons and I’m wondering if this is actually effective or do people get confused since I’m not using it to scan?
I will also be learning to use a traditional white cane, just for dusk/the dark when my vision is not significant enough.
intrepidia 6 points 3y ago
A white cane will part the waters like the red sea. It's also a good way to communicate the space you are in. The kind of social space you travel through will determine the reaction. It will vary from aversion to avoidance to helpfulness. Use a cane to support your confidence and drive. Ultimately it's a tool used to allow you to fulfill the outcomes you choose.
Littlemissmee 6 points 3y ago
The general public won't know the difference, it will however provide them with the information that you are low vision/blind. They will be more willing to get out of your way or forgive you if you bump into them.
the9thpawn_ 5 points 3y ago
I’m basically the same but don’t have depth perception and it really helps because a lot of places have shitty fluorescent lights which makes my nystagmus bad. It’s great not feeling like everything moving isn’t gonna run into you. I don’t really think people will know the difference and I think it’s definitely worth it. I used to be scared going in Sephora with mine because someone channel the little voice of doubt in my head and might be like uwu you’re not blind why you using it but my fears haven’t come true.
razzretina 4 points 3y ago
I’ll be honest, I’ve never understood the point of an ID cane. They cost the same ad a functional cane but are just kind of useless, especially since most sighted people don’t seem to know what canes are. I’d say just get a good folding or telescopic cane and keep that on hand. That way when your vision wears out, you have a mobility device right there with you.
Sarinon 3 points 3y ago
I used to use one and found that people are less likely to notice it and less likely to be understanding if they do. I have had less trouble with a more widely known and accepted white cane.
Maybe it's just where I live, but people walk around with their noses in their phone and even my white cane sometimes isn't enough to get people to pay attention.
Maybe it's just where I live, but people walk around with their noses in their phone and even my white cane sometimes isn't enough to get people to pay attention.
B-dub31 3 points 3y ago
I’ve had one for a while but really started using it recently. I have pretty much no peripheral vision in addition to acuity loss, so I walk right in front of people all the time in stores and other crowded environments. Using a cane lets others know you are visually impaired so they can help you. I feel I get some second looks because I’m obviously not completely blind, but it works well. I accidentally walked in front of someone’s cart at the store Sunday because they were in my blind spot, but they apologized to me before I was able to apologize to them. It has lessened my anxiety and increased my confidence in crowds.
TK_Sleepytime 3 points 3y ago
I use an ID cane. I have no vision on my right side and low vision on my left with little peripheral vision. I work in the center of a busy city and the cane makes it much easier to navigate through crowds. Yes, some people might judge or ask questions once in a long while but most days people keep to themselves and I get a lot fewer rude comments when I bump into people or am obliviously in the way. It helps me judge the height of curbs before I step off too. I've been considering mobility training since I never got it growing up but I don't know what the rules are around that sort of thing. Like, how blind is blind enough? Especially when the rules around being legally blind don't take into account people with only one eye.
BlueRock956 2 points 3y ago
Hi, in my opinion the ID cane is a ridiculous idea. If you are bumping into people, you need to use a cane. The ID cane is not an effective tool to travel independently, and I have never met a person who can transition from the ID cane to the travel cane proficiently; it’s always, oh I don’t have my other cane on hand.
teenytinylittleant 2 points 3y ago
Sighted person here. From my perspective, I'm spacey and don't always do a great job of noticing everything around me. If I see someone with a cane, it grabs my attention and makes me aware that it's on me not to run into that person.
I am most certainly not going to start assessing that person's degree of vision. It does not matter at all why they have a cane. I trust they have decided it is helpful and I support that.
If anyone ever does give you trouble for having a cane and not being "blind enough," they are rude and do not deserve any explanation. "It helps me" is plenty, more than they deserve and should shut anyone up.
I am most certainly not going to start assessing that person's degree of vision. It does not matter at all why they have a cane. I trust they have decided it is helpful and I support that.
If anyone ever does give you trouble for having a cane and not being "blind enough," they are rude and do not deserve any explanation. "It helps me" is plenty, more than they deserve and should shut anyone up.
lhamil64 1 points 3y ago
I have a "normal" cane (not an ID cane) that I really only use if I'm by myself somewhere where I might need assistance, like an airport or train station. I've noticed even if you aren't swiping it, people recognize it and are much more helpful. I'd say it's worth getting one even if it just sits in a drawer 99% of the time, because then you have it there for when you think it might be useful.
djflex90 1 points 3y ago
I am in a similar situation. I’m thinking about using one for the times when I don’t have my dog with me. I have enough vision to get me in trouble, but find that when areas get a bit crowded I tend to bump into people. One thing that really does help in public is other peoples awareness of your disability so I think this would actually help.
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