I hold an ID cane every time I go out in public because I still have usable vision and cannot see certain things or details but am not quite ready to use a long cane. So far I think its done exactly what I think it’s supposed to, let other people know I’m visually impaired.

It’s helpful in the store because I have to put things close to my face and probably look like a weirdo so it gives others an explanation lol. My husband tells me I walk in public like I’m drunk because I’m looking at the ground because I’m afraid of falling and because of light changes, so there’s that also lol. For me personally the ID cane works for now.

I used an ID cane until I was in my twenties, because I have a lot of usable vision for a blind person. A long cane took a little getting used to, but is much more helpful, while also still identifying me as blind. Now I can focus on the rest of what’s going on around me, instead of just watching my feet, because I’ve got my cane to give me info about whatever’s immediately in front of me. Bonus during the pandemic, putting on a mask immediately fogs up my glasses, but with my cane, I can find my way around regardless. I don’t think I could do that if I was still relying on an ID cane.

I don’t think the general public knows the difference. A cane is a cane. Use it by your side? Oh, you need help walking. Use it in front of you? Oh, you’re blind.

My daughter (5 years old & blind) uses an ambutec cane that looks the same as the identity cane as a mobility cane - as she’s tiny the lightness is more important than strength. It is bending a bit though.

I started out with an ID cane, since I have enough usable vision to mostly get around without a cane. At first, I just wanted the cane for ID purposes and for things like probing at the occasional curb or set of stairs. But I quickly found the ID cane to be too flimsy for even the light usage I wanted to do.

Also - and this is purely an emotional thing on my part - I had a hard time taking myself seriously with the little ID cane. It felt like a cheap toy compared to a long cane. I like having tools that feel solid and well-made and practical. Just having a better cane makes me feel more confident (socially, not just in terms of cane usage). Maybe I'm weird...