Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Is it benefitial to have a cane when you're not completely blind? (self.Blind)
submitted by CivetKitty
I have a lack of visual nerves; only 20% of them were formed when I was born. I only have trouble reading small text such as signs and menu boards when I'm out and about. I also have to look closely at my phone when I'm watching YouTube vids and such, which unfortunately resulted in a mishap recently.
4 days ago on Sunday, I got a call from a cop, telling me that I waas accused for taking NSFW photoes. Apparently, 3 months ago, I was watching some YouTube videos in the subway on my way home, and the camera was suspiciously pointing towards a mini skirt... The cops took my phone on Sunday to scan the files including deleted ones, so I think it's gonna be alright eventually.
But I'm still hesitant on pointing my camera at something even when I'm actually trying to read a sign. The stereotypical blind person is probably someone who doesn't even know the concept of light, but I'm in the perfect gray zone in between this image and what is "normal," so I don't know how I should behave at this point. Should I act like I can see everything? Should I buy a cane?
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Edit: Thank you for your wonderful comments. I might have a look at getting an ID cane for sure, though I feel like I have been stereotyped myself for too long, so it might take a while to accept myself bringing one along. I've even been hesitant on calling myself blind, as I thought this term only applied to these extreme cases, but now, I bet it's time to stop putting myself in arbitrary categories.
4 days ago on Sunday, I got a call from a cop, telling me that I waas accused for taking NSFW photoes. Apparently, 3 months ago, I was watching some YouTube videos in the subway on my way home, and the camera was suspiciously pointing towards a mini skirt... The cops took my phone on Sunday to scan the files including deleted ones, so I think it's gonna be alright eventually.
But I'm still hesitant on pointing my camera at something even when I'm actually trying to read a sign. The stereotypical blind person is probably someone who doesn't even know the concept of light, but I'm in the perfect gray zone in between this image and what is "normal," so I don't know how I should behave at this point. Should I act like I can see everything? Should I buy a cane?
​
Edit: Thank you for your wonderful comments. I might have a look at getting an ID cane for sure, though I feel like I have been stereotyped myself for too long, so it might take a while to accept myself bringing one along. I've even been hesitant on calling myself blind, as I thought this term only applied to these extreme cases, but now, I bet it's time to stop putting myself in arbitrary categories.
Tarnagona 25 points 1y ago
You may want to look in to an ID cane, generally thinner and lighter than a mobility cane, with the primary purpose of identifying you as having sight loss.
Personally, while I have some usable vision, I use a mobility cane because it just makes things a little easier. I can use the vision I have to look around instead of trying to just see what’s right in front of my feet. It also identifies me as blind which helps if I need to ask for directions, or help reading something, as people tend to be more willing to help if they know I’m blind rather than lazy.
Personally, while I have some usable vision, I use a mobility cane because it just makes things a little easier. I can use the vision I have to look around instead of trying to just see what’s right in front of my feet. It also identifies me as blind which helps if I need to ask for directions, or help reading something, as people tend to be more willing to help if they know I’m blind rather than lazy.
AppleNeird2022 6 points 1y ago
I didn’t know you could get ID canes! Thx!
Jabez77 6 points 1y ago
My dude, I’m in a similar situation as OP and came here looking for some ideas. I’ve never heard of an ID cane, but this is EXACTLY what I’m needing. Thanks for the heads up!
Mamamagpie 9 points 1y ago
I have right homogeneous Hemianopsia. My remaining vision corrects to 20/20. I can read and watch tv without my glasses.
I list my vision in 1985. I got my first cane in 2021. I do not regret it. I don’t bump into things on my blind side anymore. I don’t trip on bad pavers and cracked sidewalks anymore. Could I live without the cane, sure, I did it for over 3 decades.
What is also to note they make ID/Symbol canes. They are not for mobility, but to show the world you are not completely sighted and are somewhere on the blind spectrum.
I list my vision in 1985. I got my first cane in 2021. I do not regret it. I don’t bump into things on my blind side anymore. I don’t trip on bad pavers and cracked sidewalks anymore. Could I live without the cane, sure, I did it for over 3 decades.
What is also to note they make ID/Symbol canes. They are not for mobility, but to show the world you are not completely sighted and are somewhere on the blind spectrum.
CivetKitty [OP] 6 points 1y ago
Hmmm... I might consider that too, but I'm still hesitant though. I've always lived with fully sighted people, so I might be stereotyped as well. It feels odd looking at my phone while holding a cane as well. Any advice on overcoming thisdilemma?
Wolfocorn20 5 points 1y ago
It might take some time but you'll get confortable doing that.
i'm legally blind and walk around with my guide dog and an id cane or folded mobility cane depending on witch one i find first.
But when i'm waiting somewhere or on the train i'm not afrade to take out my nintendo to play some games with my dog and cane totaly visible to others.
The steriotyping is something people like to do unfortunatlly but you should not let that keep you from getting the stuff you need to make your life easyer.
good luck
i'm legally blind and walk around with my guide dog and an id cane or folded mobility cane depending on witch one i find first.
But when i'm waiting somewhere or on the train i'm not afrade to take out my nintendo to play some games with my dog and cane totaly visible to others.
The steriotyping is something people like to do unfortunatlly but you should not let that keep you from getting the stuff you need to make your life easyer.
good luck
CivetKitty [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Thank you so much.
fhifck 3 points 1y ago
It’s hard but we can’t let other peoples ignorance affect our safety and independence. I know it’s hard but the people who matter will support you and the people who are not supportive don’t matter
Mamamagpie 5 points 1y ago
I get people asking me if I need help. I have never had to explain how I use my phone and a cane. You have just do you and ignore what other people think.
The only person I had a talk about my cane with was my Girl Scout co-leader. We have been leading the same troop since our girls for the past 8 years, 7 of them I didn’t use a cane. They knew I could not drive because of my vision, but the sudden use of cane surprised them.
The only person I had a talk about my cane with was my Girl Scout co-leader. We have been leading the same troop since our girls for the past 8 years, 7 of them I didn’t use a cane. They knew I could not drive because of my vision, but the sudden use of cane surprised them.
TechnicalPragmatist 4 points 1y ago
Yeah, screw what other people think if it’s actually judgement.
But a lot of people are just curious and in need of education and it’s good to help them out.
But a lot of people are just curious and in need of education and it’s good to help them out.
Shadowwynd 6 points 1y ago
A cane can help plenty of situations where there’s a dangerous lack of contrast like a curb into a street. I’ve seen people with mild vision loss and better than average denial step off of the curb wrong and smack face on the concrete because they didn’t see it.
fhifck 1 points 1y ago
I broke my ankle this way six weeks ago. I use my cane now 😜
[deleted] 6 points 1y ago
I am not totally blind and use ID cane.
TK_Sleepytime 6 points 1y ago
I use an ID cane. You just hold it, you don't have to swish or run it along the ground (it's great for judging height of curbs and steps though!). I can see well enough to use a phone but reading signs/menus is definitely tough and I'm totally blind on one side. The ID cane is for other people to know you're visually impaired and can be helpful on public transportation where others can be quite rude or nosy if you're in the way or perceived as looking at something you can't actually see. I have a legally blind friend who uses a jewelers loupe and/or a golf scope to read things instead of using the phone camera. That might work for you too.
CivetKitty [OP] 4 points 1y ago
Oh I've seen those telescopes before, but they weren't as modular or easy to focus than a phone camera app. I might look deeper into some more of them though. Thanks.
Caregiverrr 5 points 1y ago
I use hiking poles, one at a time, for walking stability, for secure feeling from crappy depth perception, then last year I had a tussle with macular degeneration and two months of sixth optic nerve palsy.
What I liked about using a cane/walking stick was confidence walking around, and people try to not run into ya
I’d say try it and see. My friend tried a cane for the first time in New York City at his friend’s insistence. As he walked along, his cane went down a grate and that was it for him. So it’s an individual thing.
What I liked about using a cane/walking stick was confidence walking around, and people try to not run into ya
I’d say try it and see. My friend tried a cane for the first time in New York City at his friend’s insistence. As he walked along, his cane went down a grate and that was it for him. So it’s an individual thing.
fhifck 3 points 1y ago
Hey! Most cane users have some usable vision it’s a stereotype that most of us have no light perception. I’m half blind and I use a cane because I have issues with depth and contrast. If a cane would make your life better, use it!
Rethunker 3 points 1y ago
From what you’ve described, you’re blind. You have a right to use a cane as identification if you choose to.
Only 10% of blind folks are totally blind.
In most countries that I know about, the legal and/or medical definition for blindness depends on visual acuity, field of view, and so on. In other words, a person of blind if their vision isn’t sharp enough even with glasses, or if they only see a small portion of what is in front of them, or their eyes move uncontrollably so that a stable image isn’t formed, and so on. Some people have light perception only. Others see false images, such as swirling colors. There are a lot of people in this world, and a lot of variety in vision impairment.
There’s no need for you to act like someone else or pretend to have typical sight any more than there is a need for you to dye your hair green. You have an absolute and fundamental right to go about society the same as everyone else, typically sighted or blind or DeafBlind.
It seems unlikely the misunderstanding in the subway will happen again, but one thing you might do is cover the back camera on the phone when you’re not using it. That’s a pain for you, but would make clear you’re not pouting a camera at anyone.
If you were in the Boston area in the US, then I might give a few more suggestions that are more relevant to the local subway system.
Only 10% of blind folks are totally blind.
In most countries that I know about, the legal and/or medical definition for blindness depends on visual acuity, field of view, and so on. In other words, a person of blind if their vision isn’t sharp enough even with glasses, or if they only see a small portion of what is in front of them, or their eyes move uncontrollably so that a stable image isn’t formed, and so on. Some people have light perception only. Others see false images, such as swirling colors. There are a lot of people in this world, and a lot of variety in vision impairment.
There’s no need for you to act like someone else or pretend to have typical sight any more than there is a need for you to dye your hair green. You have an absolute and fundamental right to go about society the same as everyone else, typically sighted or blind or DeafBlind.
It seems unlikely the misunderstanding in the subway will happen again, but one thing you might do is cover the back camera on the phone when you’re not using it. That’s a pain for you, but would make clear you’re not pouting a camera at anyone.
If you were in the Boston area in the US, then I might give a few more suggestions that are more relevant to the local subway system.
Jabez77 3 points 1y ago
Hey OP, thanks for posting! Im so sorry this happened to you, I hope you find a helpful solution quickly!
I’m in a similar situation and appreciate your question and the comments. Thanks for articulating it so well!
I’m in a similar situation and appreciate your question and the comments. Thanks for articulating it so well!
FaerilyRowanwind 3 points 1y ago
Some people use an id cane for safety.
jessiexramone 3 points 1y ago
Firstly I am so sorry this happened! I am blind in my left eye and 3/4 in my right, I manage really well but can’t drive or do things like that. I say this to say I appear very unimpaired and there are situations where people don’t believe me, too. Unfortunately bc of the climate we’re in, have always been in and will always be in being disabled people, it is safer for us to have some identification on our person. Like an ID cane, which I will now be purchasing so I don’t have to be afraid anymore, too. I’m sending you love
Jabez77 3 points 1y ago
Thanks for saying this. I’m in a similar situation as you and haven’t really found a lot of low vision folx yet. You speak to a lot of issues I see in my community but couldn’t quite admit it was there and am feeling more comfortable with accepting that this is a disability. Solidarity and love back to you, awesome person.
jessiexramone 6 points 1y ago
Oh, I’m 37 and this is the first year I’ve been able to admit I’m a disabled person. I’m so ashamed it’s taken me so long but I’m working through it in therapy. I absolutely understand. Nobody WANTS this, but we do have to try our best to love it about us. Guess what? I have excellent hearing. I can’t drive but I’m a bitchin navigator! I may need an ID cane but my placard gets any of my dates the best parking in the house. And those are cool. And you are cool too! I wanna find power in my disability this year instead of shame, so ID cane it is! Bonus, if people are extra annoying we can wear dark sunglasses and use the cane for stability and never have to speak to them again! Sending a trillion love to you and am so happy you’re here, thank you
phillstaf 2 points 1y ago
At that level it's really a personal choice, I personally have a similar vision level and choose to use a mobility cane, both for the comfort of not always having to explain myself, but also as a safety net for the things I do miss like curbs or small obstructions.
SoapyRiley 2 points 1y ago
I can see moderately well right up until the sun hits my eyes or a car passes me in the dark. Things still overlap and I have static/snow and my depth perception gets weird sometimes, but my vision is corrected to 20/40 or 20/60 depending on the day. I use a cane. There is nothing wrong with using a cane to signify that your vision isn’t normal or to feel around you to ensure stable footing no matter your type of impairment. I think more of us should be using canes because we often overestimate how much we actually see thanks to the tricks our brains perform to “help” us. If someone challenges you, a great response is “my safety is more important than your uninformed opinion.”
r_1235 2 points 1y ago
Oh yeah, you should carry a cane. From personal experience, lot of times, there was only a cane standing between me and me getting slapped. Thankfully, noone has slapped me till now, but, lot of people grabbed me in anger, and later seeing cane in my hand decided to let go. This is not our fault, we are providing an indecation of our blindness with our canes, and they are the once who should be careful.
I must say though, it gets annoying to keep that damn cane all the time in hand, specially when I am just using it as an ID cane. One hand occupied, all the time, goodluck if you get a phonecall or want to do anything. Those screen reader swipes ain't happening with 1 hand.
I must say though, it gets annoying to keep that damn cane all the time in hand, specially when I am just using it as an ID cane. One hand occupied, all the time, goodluck if you get a phonecall or want to do anything. Those screen reader swipes ain't happening with 1 hand.
AllHarlowsEve 2 points 1y ago
The vast, vast majority of us have some vision. Many of us were also sighted for a significant amount of time, meaning we still do non-verbal movements and visual cues even if they don't matter. My eyes still track sounds, even though I can't see outside of a meter of my face. I still look at my phone, even though I can't see shit on it. I still look around when I'm waiting, even though it's more to tilt my head around to hear around me.
Want to know how many times people have accused me of faking while using my cane? Once, and only indirectly, through my also blind therapist. Most people will mind their business if you're showing that you're blind by using a cane.
Want to know how many times people have accused me of faking while using my cane? Once, and only indirectly, through my also blind therapist. Most people will mind their business if you're showing that you're blind by using a cane.
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
That is certainly really clever of you to do with your phone, but sorry it happened to you.
Yeah, you can’t be to sighted for a id cane. If you struggle you do so yeah, getting one may be really nice.
Yeah, you can’t be to sighted for a id cane. If you struggle you do so yeah, getting one may be really nice.
AppleNeird2022 1 points 1y ago
Wow, I’ve felt awkward using my phone’s cam to see things, but I had no idea things like that could happen. As for a cane, you should get one if you need one. Eventually, I’ll need one, but for now, I try to act as best I can. In the situation where thing’s get bad, I explain why I can’t do this or that, or in your case, explain that your visually impaired and was just watching YouTube. Have your eye doctor provide evidence that you have poor vision. That’s all I can suggest. I’m sorry you got in this situation.
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