For our final post of the year, we’re exploring the various types of white cane available to visually impaired people. The use of canes by individuals with sight loss has a history spanning centuries. However, it was not until the period between the First and Second World Wars that white canes were specifically promoted for use by those with visual impairments. In the UK and many other parts of the world, white canes are widely recognised as a symbol indicating that a person has a visual impairment.
The Canes
The symbol cane is the shortest of the 3 types of cane and is primarily used to let people know that the person has a vision impairment. This cane is generally used by people who have a reasonable amount of useful vision.
The guide cane is sturdier and longer, so that the person can use the cane tip to check the depth of kerbs and steps without bending over. Both the symbol and guide canes can be used to check the distance of large objects such as bins and post boxes.
The long cane is measured so that it reaches from the ground to chest height. This length allows the user to gain information and warning about obstacles at ground level and above, by moving the cane from left to right. Over a series of lessons, the user learns how to hold and swing the cane, and how to use the cane in various environments.
The guide cane and long cane can have their tips changed to suit the user’s preference. The most popular is the rolling ball tip. Its spherical design allows the user to manage the bumps and cracks in the pavement (of which there are many!) more smoothly. A new tip that we’ve yet to try out is the Pathfinder 360, pictured. This tip moves in all directions which in theory allows the person to use their long cane in different environments, like countryside and hills.
Have you seen canes with red stripes? These are used to indicate that the user has a hearing impairment as well as sight loss. Many people don’t know about this, so be sure to spread the word! Cane users very often need sighted assistance in some areas, so don’t be afraid to ask someone if they look like they might need help crossing a road.
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