
White Cane Mobility Tips
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How do I find the store I want and the door to the store.
This is NOT a comprehensive list of tips. We welcome all of your favorite tips to share with everyone. If you have something to offer, please click on the button below and submit it to us.
The white detection cane is a simple tool that is extremely safe and allows you to navigate the world.
The detection cane is a tool, like a hammer or a screw driver. You use it in situations where you need it. For some, it can only be in certain areas, but it can be all the time for others.
Learn to trust your cane, which only comes with time and practice. While navigating with the cane, your senses are split between where you are, what your cane is telling you, and what you are hearing around you.
It's best to keep your cane open, meaning unfolded, as folding it can wear out the elastic faster.
To improve your hearing skills, try to picture in your mind your ears opening as you walk along. Improving your hearing can help you identify where you are.
To optimize your functional vision, wearing a hat with a brim and a good pair of sunglasses can make a difference. Having a thorough O&M assessment for sunglasses is a good idea.
If you find your cane is getting stuck all the time, you can look into two things: make sure that you are holding your arm out from your body high enough almost as if the cane is pulling your arm forward, don't put any pressure on the tip by just grazing the ground as you sweep it, and finally if all else fails, try using a bigger tip like a rolling marshmallow or ball tip.
Keep a washable, reusable shopping bag with you to put your cane in if you fold it to put it away while you are out and about. Since you don't always know what your cane tip has been in contact with, having the bag can help keep chairs and other bags clean from your cane. It is considered rude to place a cane, especially the tip, on a table.
Starting to use a white cane can be very difficult, I felt ashamed and embarrassed but once I started to use the cane all of that went away and it brings me tremendous benefits like independence , mobility and confidence. The stick as it is sometimes called, is my magic wand and although I was very uncomfortable at first it helped me to realize that since low vision and blindness are not your fault it became easier to accept that I needed to use it.
The cane also lets people know you might need help, it was such a relief when I started to use it, now it is my best friend on every corner and in every situation.
don’t get a cane that is too short. The best length is one that comes up to your chin. The point is that you can walk faster with an appropriately long cane that gives you 3 steps of warning as you approach something that blocks your path.
While there are many canes out there, I believe the best ones come from the National Federation of the Blind. These canes are made of fiberglass or a polycarbon material and are quite flexible. Also, the tips on these canes along with the flexible nature of the cane provides more information about all aspects of your travel. These canes bounce a bit as you tap them while traveling. They work best when you don’t just slide them along in front of you. Arc the cane so that as your left foot moves forward you tap to the right side of your body. Then, when you step forward with your right foot you tap on the left side of your body/path.
Bold Blind Beauty – Styling a Customized White Cane: Offers personal stories and tips on matching your cane with your shoes or outfit, choosing colors, and expressing your style through your cane.
https://boldblindbeauty.com/styling-customized-cane/3
The Invisible Vision Project – Traditional vs. Custom White Cane: Shares experiences with both traditional and custom-colored canes, discussing the benefits of expressive, unique cane choices and how they can reflect your personality.
https://theinvisiblevisionproject.com/2021/10/25/traditional-vs-custom-white-cane/2
Albinism Up Close – Choosing a White Cane: Style & Material: Explores different cane styles, materials, and tips, including the importance of finding pride in your cane and customizing it to fit your preferences.
https://albinismupclose.com/choosing-a-white-cane-style-material/1
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