Cane Travel

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Learning to use a cane is a vital skill for individuals with low vision or blindness. But what type of cane should you use? Should you opt for a white cane if you have low vision? And what are white cane laws? This article answers these questions and many more.

Does the Cane Have to Be White?

Regardless of color, a cane can provide information and protection when used correctly. While most canes used by blind individuals are white, they are also available in colors such as red, black, yellow, and blue. However, only a white cane signals to others that the user is blind or has low vision, which can be crucial in being noticed when crossing streets or requesting assistance from store clerks or bus drivers. People are more likely to offer help when they recognize that the request stems from a vision impairment.

What Are White Cane Laws?

Contrary to popular belief, White Cane Laws do not universally require drivers to stop or yield to pedestrians using white canes. These laws vary from state to state, and the rules for drivers encountering pedestrians with white canes are inconsistent across the country. In general:

Some states mandate that drivers yield.

Some states require a full stop.

Other states only instruct drivers to exercise caution.

A few states do not offer specific protections for pedestrians with white canes beyond general pedestrian laws.

Check your state’s White Cane Law to know your rights and responsibilities. For state-specific information, visit the White Cane Laws by State section on the American Council of the Blind’s website.

What Type of Cane Should I Use?

There are two primary categories of canes for individuals with vision loss: support and probing canes (often called white or long canes). Both serve different purposes, and the right one for you will depend on your needs.

Support Canes

A support cane is designed to help with balance and stability. It should:

Be strong enough to support your weight.

Be short enough to allow you to comfortably rest your hand on top while holding it close to your body.

Have a tip that grips the floor to prevent slipping.

Probing Canes (White Canes)

A probing cane is meant to detect obstacles and changes in terrain ahead of you. It should:

Be lightweight for easy maneuvering without causing fatigue.

Be long enough to reach ahead and warn of obstacles.

Have a tip that glides smoothly along the ground.

For those needing both support and obstacle detection, two canes may be required—one for support and one for probing. While using two canes may seem awkward initially, proper instruction from an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist can help individuals of all ages learn to use them efficiently and safely.

Cane Tips: Choosing the Right One

A variety of cane tips are available to match different terrains and preferences. Here’s a quick guide to some popular options:

Pencil Tip: Lightweight and provides good feedback, but can get stuck in sidewalk cracks.

Roller Tip: Rolls smoothly over rough surfaces but is heavier, which may lead to wrist fatigue.

Marshmallow Tip: Its thickness prevents it from getting stuck, though it may cause wrist strain over time.

Metal Glide: Light and easy to maneuver but less durable than other options.

Bundu Basher: Specially designed for wilderness travel and uneven rural terrain.

Using a Cane with a Wheelchair

It’s possible to use a wheelchair and a long cane for navigation. Success depends on your vision level, physical limitations, and wheelchair type. Consult with an O&M specialist to determine if using a long cane with your wheelchair is the right option for you.

Alternative Mobility Devices (AMDs)

If a traditional cane is unsuitable due to physical or cognitive limitations, Alternative Mobility Devices (AMDs) are designed to help. These devices are especially beneficial for individuals struggling to use or move a cane correctly.

Overcoming Concerns about Using a White Cane

Many people are concerned about using a white cane because they worry about how others perceive them, think a white cane is only for total blind individuals, or think using a white cane will make them feel vulnerable.

What Will People Think of My Using a White Cane?

If you’re hesitant to use a white cane due to concerns about how others might perceive you, consider this: Most people view individuals using white canes or guide dogs as independent. While you may feel self-conscious at first, the reality is that most people admire the confidence that comes with using a white cane. Additionally, using a white cane can improve your confidence and assertiveness because you’re less likely to bump into obstacles or fall.

White Canes and Low Vision

For those with low vision, there may be concerns about being perceived as “cheating” if using a white cane. In reality, most individuals with vision impairments still retain some useful sight, and the white cane is a tool for safety and independence, regardless of total blindness.

Safety Concerns: Will Using a White Cane Make Me a Target?

Some individuals fear that carrying a white cane could make them vulnerable in high-risk communities. However, there is no research indicating that white cane users are more likely to be targeted. In fact, appearing confident and assertive, as many white cane users do, might reduce vulnerability compared to someone who struggles without a cane, tripping over obstacles and appearing unsure.

How Do I Learn to Use a Cane?

Learning to use a cane requires practice and proper technique, which an O&M Specialist can teach. The correct method involves:

Holding the cane centered in front of your body.

Moving the cane with wrist and finger movements in an arc wider than your body.

Synchronizing the cane’s movement with your walking rhythm, ensuring the cane tip is always on the opposite side of your forward foot.

Whether using a constant-contact technique or a touch technique, practice is essential for mastering the cane’s use.

The Four Stages of Cane Learning

Learning to use a cane involves several stages:

Beginning: You’re just learning the motions and need reminders to use the correct technique.

Concentration: You can use the cane properly, but only with focused attention.

Automatic: The cane becomes a natural extension of yourself, moving correctly even when you’re distracted.

Proficiency: You consistently use the cane correctly in all situations, ensuring your safety and awareness of your environment.

With practice and the guidance of a trained professional, you can reach proficiency and confidently navigate your surroundings with a cane.