Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Should I get a cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by LID919
I have hemianopia. I have no vision on my left side in either eye (I always have to make that distinction from not being able to see out of my left eye).
I'm not missing enough vision to be considered legally blind, so I always feel a lot of imposter syndrome using terms like "blind" or even "visually impaired" to refer to myself.
While I have an active and independent life, I've had several friends tell me I should get a cane. While I'm walking in public, or even navigating a house in private, I'll usually stick my left arm out from my body to feel it in case I'm about to hit an obstacle, and to create a buffer zone sightly separate from people.
I've gotten very good at collision avoidance, but every now and again I do still bump into someone, or something.
As mentioned above, I'm not legally blind so I feel like a fraud grouping myself anywhere near that label. I've been frequently urged to get a cane, and I've considered it strongly. But I'm not certain it's a good solution for me.
Does anyone have any advice on the matter?
I'm not missing enough vision to be considered legally blind, so I always feel a lot of imposter syndrome using terms like "blind" or even "visually impaired" to refer to myself.
While I have an active and independent life, I've had several friends tell me I should get a cane. While I'm walking in public, or even navigating a house in private, I'll usually stick my left arm out from my body to feel it in case I'm about to hit an obstacle, and to create a buffer zone sightly separate from people.
I've gotten very good at collision avoidance, but every now and again I do still bump into someone, or something.
As mentioned above, I'm not legally blind so I feel like a fraud grouping myself anywhere near that label. I've been frequently urged to get a cane, and I've considered it strongly. But I'm not certain it's a good solution for me.
Does anyone have any advice on the matter?
KillerLag 11 points 1y ago
I usually suggest to my clients that a cane is a good idea if they are tripping on things, or bumping into things. The cane provides feedback to stop, as well as a visual indicator to someone that you may have trouble seeing. Someone approaching you from the left side (say, on a bike) may not realize you can't see them and whiz right in front of you.
LID919 [OP] 7 points 1y ago
People approaching me from the left side, just walking, is the typical source of collisions for me.
epileptic_blind_guy 3 points 1y ago
After I (right side HH) stepped onto an old lady getting off the train now I feel naked leaving my place without it. Although I only use the 3-piece folded ID cane, I keep it folded up unless im walking around a place with lots of people.
Mamamagpie 8 points 1y ago
I have right hemianopsia, since 1985. I got my first white cane this fall. Why? I stepped on bad paver and broke my ankle, my right ankle. The same ankle I sprained when I stepped into a tree pit. All of which I didn’t see, because they were on my blind side.
With my cane I practically fly down the sidewalk and I have not tripped once.
With my cane I practically fly down the sidewalk and I have not tripped once.
Mamamagpie 6 points 1y ago
I do not miss when I would bump people on my blind side. Now people move out of my way. Unless they are phone zombies.
Unpopular_couscous 2 points 1y ago
Don't worry about what others think. You can't control it no matter how much you try. Do what's best for you.
Vicki7789 2 points 1y ago
I have this but I have it where in my left eye the left side vision is affected and on the right eye my right side vision is affected. So I basically don’t see past shoulder width. I use a cane in busy places, and when it’s dark. If you feel you need help to be safe, get the cane.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Yeah, I don’t see what would be wrong with that, as long as you don’t want a cane to fake you’re blind to take advantage of things, or to fool people that’s fine. Use it if you need it.
sillyciban1 1 points 1y ago
Thank you for this question, I have no peripheral vision in my eyes and my left eye is pretty much useless. I've been wondering if a cane would help me as I have no depth perception and anyone coming from the left hand side is gonna get stepped on. I've been thinking a cane would be good to use mainly to let other people know I can't see for shit and give me a bit of space. I will ask my dr next time I see her.
tcat8999 1 points 1y ago
Zz
mackeyt 1 points 1y ago
For me I took the interim step. Not the full cane but a "symbol" cane. Smaller and lighter, collapses and fits in my back pocket or bag. But when I either need help with steps or obstacles, or going from light to dark, or when I just need those around me (in the metro, malls, etc) to know I have vision issues and not get pissed at me when I knock into them, I can pull it out and use it to signal. I've actually found it invaluable.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[deleted]
NotUnique234 1 points 1y ago
It’s really up to personal preference. I know people who have better vision than I do and they use a cane, I personally don’t use one as I don’t feel like I need it - but as I said, others who can see more than me feel like they need one- it doesn’t make a difference either way.
You don’t need to feel like a fraud- if it helps you, use one. 🙂
You don’t need to feel like a fraud- if it helps you, use one. 🙂
Boatsabouthoes 1 points 1y ago
I’m not sure of the specifics or if you were planning to get a white cane, but in some places there are restrictions on who may legally carry a white cane.
WorldlyLingonberry40 1 points 1y ago
Yes, get a cane. You are trying to use your hand to do what the cane needs to be doing. MOST people will decide to use a cane after a cerious enough insident convinces them that they are at risk. I met someone who got their butt kicked after he accidently groped a teenager and I met someone who burned their mom after bumping into her while she had a cup of hot coffee.
collecting_upvts 1 points 1y ago
It sounds like you could easily get into a dangerous position for you and others. Legally blind or not I would get a cane. Sounds like a legit visual impairment to me, I don’t understand why people with this condition is not included as legally blind.
Mamamagpie 2 points 1y ago
Because we might qualify for aid if we were?
PaleontologistTrue74 1 points 1y ago
Get the training so its just in your back pocket incase you really need it. Beyond that, up to you. I dont think anyone can make that decision for you. We all go at our own pace.
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