ambutech canes are extremely customizable. i have two white canes, but the one i primarily use has a pink handle & matching pink tape at the bottom. the colours are extremely high visibility and people definitely still understand what i’m using. having a fun assistive device has definitely made me a lot more comfortable.

Not stupid at all. It will become a part of you and it's natural to make it as personal as you want.

​

However, the catch is white cane with usually red stripes provides you with the best visibility. Also, as weird as it may sound, it will help some people to figure out that you are blind when you have a white cane.

O&M specialist here. Feel free to disregard my response, because, obviously, you all have choices as consumers. However, there has been research done on canes that are white and red versus canes that are other colors. People driving cars are less likely to notice people carrying colored canes and they are less likely to realize that the colored cane means they have a visual impairment. I think it’s a difference of 10% or more. I worked with the professor who piloted this research, William Penrod.

My advice is: do what you want, but at least make sure the cane is reflective.

[deleted]

It's not a stupid idea at all. Having a cane you're comfortable with is, for me at least, a big confidence booster. You can customize Ambutech canes if you order from their website.

Personally, I'd customize the bottom section and and the grip, then leave the cane mostly white, because more people are going to understand/recognize it for what it is that way. This could be especially important if you're doing something like crossing a street or navigating traffic in parking lots, etc.

In some states, motorists aren't required to yield to you unless your cane is "mostly white" so you should check your local white cane laws if you're concerned about that.

Personally, I would stick with a white cane. Most people know what the white cane means, and I would be worried a pink one might cause some confusion. When crossing a street, you want that cane to get the attention of the persen driving, and a pink cane might not do that.

That being said, I have been totally blind since the age of three, so I know nothing about colors. I could be wrong.

I’ve thought about this a lot too. I’m also legally blind and have recently been looking into getting a cane. This isn’t a fact, but I feel like coloured canes may be less effective when it comes to being recognized as someone with a visual impairment. People see a pink stick, not a white cane, y’know? But if you’re doing it for yourself and you feel like a coloured cane would give you more confidence, then by all means go for it!! :)

I have my traditional white cane and my black cane with a white tip from Ambutech. I don’t particularly like using my cane, so getting one custom to my style has definitely helped me tolerate it more. :)

Ambutech makes one with a pink grip! My daughter also wanted a pink one but I wasn't willing to spend like $25 extra to get her a pink grip, so I bought tennis racket wrap off amazon and just wrapped her handle. She's got a cute little keychain on her cane too, because much like you are doing with yourself, I needed to bribe her to actually use it lol.

I totally get it. The fact that my cane could not be purple made me want to never touch it. Also, I lived in a town that literally had no idea what a white cane meant. It was insane. But that’s another rant for another day. Unfortunately, the cane needs to be white in order for people to recognize it as a cane for blind people. However, I think adding a charm or a keychain or a ribbon or something like that to your cane can really help personalize it for you and make you feel more comfortable.

Pink would be cool. I like the idea. But trust me, you would be shocked at how many people don't even know what a white cane is for! I've had ignorant people asking me why I am 'using that stick' while I walk. Total morons. They can't help it. But it happens a LOT. Even in big cities, like New Orleans, where I used to live......

My advice for you is to keep the cane white--- and accessorize your handle. Make it pink. My cane has a bead chain wrist loop--- and when I was a student at a blind center, where there were over 50 of us, we'd all attach a unique key chain or something to that chain, and then everyone knew which can was there. Get some pink glitter. Paint that handle. But for the sake of your safety, and to help teach these ignorant idiots out here what being blind is all about, please keep the cane white. I only mean this with you best interests in my heart.

I have to be brutal, I'm not sure it is a good idea. For ages I refused to carry a white cane, I didn't care what colour it was other than that it wasn't white. I understand totally where you're coming from. I get it and honestly I'm right there with you. The problem is that a white cane is a symbol. It tells people why you have it, it tells people that you might not react quite the same way as other people.

Yes, I know, it also tells people a lot of things about you that you would perhaps not like. It makes people assume things about you that are not necessarily true. I get it. As other people have said, anyone of normal intelligence will quickly realise what it is and why you have it, but sadly I have never gone broke betting on the stupidity of the general public, sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings.

My husband has a follow in the dark came for at night too, it's fantastic!

ITS your cane, do whatever you want with it. At this point you won't be trying to cross streets so drivers won't matter. Get a pink cane and develop your orientation and mobility skills.

Little Sadaya Paige on Instagram has a pink one! It has a black handle and the end bit is still red, but the pole part that is generally white is pink on hers.

You definitely can! When I began my cane training they ordered me a custom cane in purple. Unfortunately I can't be much help because I don't know how or where Guide Dogs Australia did it, but it's definitely possible!

I wouldn't change the white part of the cane but you could probably have some fun with the handle and the red section at the bottom