Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How you guys use symbol canes (if you have one) (self.Blind)
submitted by Faded_Night
So I was just given a symbol cane and I feel like there isn't much to be told about it as I wasn't given many instructions and can't find much online. From what I gather it sounds as if it's only for when in crowded areas or crossing roads. I was just wondering how others use symbol canes.
Also I can't help but feel kind of embarrassed about using one. One small reason being I'm stubborn and I've been slow to use these things needed to help me, and also because I don't think people know what symbol canes are and will probably just think "they seem to be able to see so why do they have a cane?". Before becoming VI I literally only knew of the long cane and no others, there's not much awareness brought to other canes.
Edit: Symbol cane is another name for an ID cane. Maybe symbol cane is a UK thing.
Edit 2: It is nice just to hear people talk about using them. A few weeks ago I didn't know these things existed and I don't know anyone with a visual impairment or who's blind so I've felt pretty alone, so thanks for all the comments.
Also I can't help but feel kind of embarrassed about using one. One small reason being I'm stubborn and I've been slow to use these things needed to help me, and also because I don't think people know what symbol canes are and will probably just think "they seem to be able to see so why do they have a cane?". Before becoming VI I literally only knew of the long cane and no others, there's not much awareness brought to other canes.
Edit: Symbol cane is another name for an ID cane. Maybe symbol cane is a UK thing.
Edit 2: It is nice just to hear people talk about using them. A few weeks ago I didn't know these things existed and I don't know anyone with a visual impairment or who's blind so I've felt pretty alone, so thanks for all the comments.
razzretina 5 points 3y ago
I really don't understand ID canes. I've got friend who can't function in light at all who wears welder's goggles to drive and stuff. But he just uses a regular folding cane when he needs the extra mobility help. He says people freak out a bit when he exits his car and takes out the cane. :D
There's no shame in having a cane. At the end of the day, what's more embarrassing: Walking full force into things on the street or dodging them with your cane? Trust me, sighted people think it looks pretty cool and it's really funny when they run into stuff because they were watching you. :D
There's no shame in having a cane. At the end of the day, what's more embarrassing: Walking full force into things on the street or dodging them with your cane? Trust me, sighted people think it looks pretty cool and it's really funny when they run into stuff because they were watching you. :D
Faded_Night [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Anxiety over things like this really is strange because before I wanted something as I'd be very embarrassed from walking about. My peripherals are pretty bad and I'd bash into people or not be able to move out of their way, which got a lot of death glares. I guess it's a thing I'll be glad to have after the first go with it.
TK_Sleepytime 3 points 3y ago
I use one. My right eye is a prosthetic and I have low vision in my left with light sensitivity. I use an ID cane in crowds or in places with low light/bright light (both are hard for me to adjust to). I use it simply as it is named, to ID myself as low vision. Because I have limited peripheral vision I bump into people or stand in the way without knowing when in crowds or on public transit. The cane keeps me from getting cursed out or pushed around. I don't have depth perception so it's also helpful to judge the height of stairs and curbs. I'm also more visible to drivers who would otherwise speed though intersections and I get across the street a lot easier and safer when I have my cane. In dark restaurants and theaters I get escorted to where I need to be when I have it so I don't have to bump around squinting and pissing people off trying to find my seat. I just hold it, I don't scan/wave it front of me but I've seen others that do that. It takes getting used to but I kind of feel weird without it now.
aloe_chaos_lamb 3 points 3y ago
I've been having a similar dilemma. My wife has been saying I should get an signal cane for challenging situations (crowds, etc). It would be really helpful to have an instant signal for, "I'm not rude or obtuse, I just can't see well, please don't bump into me" but I'm also worried about people not understanding and/or being confused or worse given that I do have some usable vision. I think the only way is probably to try it and see if it makes things better or worse.
Superfreq2 3 points 3y ago
For those who are confused, I think this is another word for ID Cane.
BlindWarriorGurl 2 points 3y ago
I don’t know what either of those are. Can someone please explain?
Faded_Night [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I didn't know they had another name, thank you
RIAtheGeek 2 points 3y ago
I have a redused visual field and hold mine on my blind side. Every once in a while it will help me not run into an object but mostly it helps people get out of my way and be much more understanding when I do run into them. I have printed out info on my vision loss and info on the difference between a symbol/ID cane and a long cane to provide to people who say something if they are such jerks as to have after that then I just let it go. Aside from vision loss I'm on the autistic spectrum and Crowds were very overstimulating before my vision loss before getting my cane I would freeze up from having to turn my head constantly and having things jump out in front of me. But it has helped a lot.
Faded_Night [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I'm on the spectrum too and hated crowds anyway but with some of my vision gone I feel kind of threatened by people as such? I can't really explain it, it's an odd feeling. Hopefully the cane will help somewhat at least.
DeafBlindAndy 2 points 3y ago
I found people didn't notice it normally but when something went wrong (bumped into someone etc) it was really useful as an instant explanation that defused any anger. Although tunnel vision means I probably wouldn't notice people noticing.
I also did things like holding it against bollards as I walked past. Just an easy way to keep track of something you don't want to walk into whilst allowing you to pay attention elsewhere.
The biggest benefit for me was reminding me that I am visually impaired. It sounds ridiculous but I frequently forget my limitations and having the cane in my hands as a physical reminder that maybe I'm not seeing something and should take things a little slower significantly reduced the number of minor accidents and close calls I have.
I try not to be embarrassed by people's assumptions (it has become easier as my sight worsens). "The people who matter don't care and the people who care don't matter".
I also did things like holding it against bollards as I walked past. Just an easy way to keep track of something you don't want to walk into whilst allowing you to pay attention elsewhere.
The biggest benefit for me was reminding me that I am visually impaired. It sounds ridiculous but I frequently forget my limitations and having the cane in my hands as a physical reminder that maybe I'm not seeing something and should take things a little slower significantly reduced the number of minor accidents and close calls I have.
I try not to be embarrassed by people's assumptions (it has become easier as my sight worsens). "The people who matter don't care and the people who care don't matter".
blindpsyco 1 points 3y ago
I use an ID cane. I also don't like it... but it keeps me safe while I'm out and about. Much-less chance of being hit by cars and bicyclists. I use it like a regular cane and usually wear sunglasses.-less explaining that way. People don't get VI and what-it means,-so starting them from the idea of you being blind is hlpful, imo.
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