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The
long white cane is perhaps the most familiar and useful tool employed
by individuals who have vision loss. It allows the user to detect
hazards at ground level, such as curbs, stairs, and gaps in the
sidewalk. Many users have some degree of functional vision. Others
who have little to no vision use the cane in tandem with orientation
skills to travel independently and perform daily life tasks. Also,
the cane provides the added protection of letting other pedestrians
and/or cars know that the user cannot see well.
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A long white cane can help you get around more easily in your neighborhood.
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It's
best to seek the assistance of an O&M specialist in order to
obtain a long white cane, ensure its correct length, and learn how to
use the device safely and efficiently.
Canes:
Frequently Asked Questions
I
still have quite a bit of vision. How much vision is too much vision
for a cane?
Many
people who have functional remaining vision use a long cane. If your
vision loss affects your ability to see obstacles clearly and without
difficulty, then you are vulnerable to falls and other accidents that
could lead to serious injury. That makes you a prime cane candidate.
How
can a cane make me more visually efficient?
A
cane offers you the ability to delegate the job of detecting
obstacles that occur from the waist down. By delegating this area to
the cane, you can use your remaining vision to look up and from side
to side, while looking downward only momentarily. By safely reducing
the workload carried by your remaining vision, you are increasing
your visual efficiency.
What
types of canes are available?
Long white canes come in two
categories: ones that fold and ones that don't. Folding canes, which
can be easily collapsed and stored, come in aluminum or graphite
models. Graphite canes are lighter and easier to fold and unfold
than aluminum ones. While great for travel, folding canes tend to be
less sturdy when compared to straight (non-folding) canes and don't
provide the same amount of sensory feedback. A popular straight
style cane is made of fiberglass, which is ultra-light, provides lots
of sensory feedback, and bends slightly if it slides under a car or
similar obstacle.
It's
also important to distinguish between canes designed as guiding tools
and canes that are intended to provide support. Support canes are
designed to provide stability when walking. They are usually made of
wood or aluminum and consist of a single vertical post with a
handgrip at hip height. The support cane may have a single point of
contact on the ground or may have a base consisting of three or four
small legs.
Do
cane tips vary?
Yes,
and each tip has its pros and cons.
- Pencil
tip. Pros: Good feedback and lightness make it a good choice
for people with problems moving their wrist for long periods of
time. Cons: The long, thin tip has tendency to get stuck in cracks
in the sidewalk.
- Roller
tip. Pros: Rolls over cracks in sidewalk, making for a
smoother walk. Cons: Greater weight can add to wrist fatigue;
doesn't provide as much feedback to the traveler about small changes
in the terrain.
- Marshmallow
tip. Pros: Thick tip won't get stuck in cracks easily. Cons:
Heavy; can cause wrist fatigue over time.
- Metal
glide. Pros: Very light; glides easily over cracks.
Can
I use a long cane if I already use a support cane? How are they
different?
A
long cane is designed to help a person with vision loss detect
upcoming obstacles and drop offs. It does not provide any support. A
support cane provides support but is not designed to detect objects,
curbs, or stairs. A support cane user can also use a long cane.
With training, you can use both canes in tandem to increase safety
and efficiency when traveling. It's important to consult an O&M
specialist before attempting this.
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O&M instruction helps people with vision loss learn how to navigate curbs and other drop offs.
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What
if I use a wheelchair; can I use a long cane?
Yes,
it is possible for you to use a wheelchair and learn how to use a
long cane to help navigate obstacles and drop offs. However, success
depends on individual circumstances, such as your type and level of
vision loss, overall physical limitations, and chair styles. Consult
your O&M specialist about whether using a long cane with a
wheelchair is right for you.
If
you are interested in ordering a cane, please consult the Product
Search. Do not order your first cane
without consulting an O&M specialist and obtaining proper
training.
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