17/10/2022
SIGNIFICANCE OF WHITE CANE TO PERSONS LIVING WITH BLINDNESS
The white cane provides the blind person information about the environment. This information includes different textures, sound clues, and whether or not obstacles are in front of the person. Also the white cane indicates to others in the community that the individual carrying the white cane is blind.
What is the white cane ?
The white cane is an incredibly useful tool used by individuals with visual impairments to detect obstacles, curb, drop offs, cracks in the sidewalk, and so much more. However, independence that allows individuals with visual impairments to travel from one place to another, safety and independently.
While technology continues to develop, it enables increased independence in tremendous ways for those who are blind and visually impaired. In tandem the white cane will continue to be an important and valuable tool.
The importance of white canes
White canes are important mobility tools for their users. White canes allow people who are blind or visually impaired to navigate the world around them safely and independently.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WHITE CANES
The white canes: a tool that many who are blind or visually impaired rely on to navigate their surroundings. While at first glance, these canes might look the same however, they are many variations on the simple white cane that allows users to safely navigate the world around them.
Here are some of the different types of white canes a available to those dealing with vision loss:
Symbol canes: a white cane that is less commonly known is the symbol cane. These are good for people with low but useful vision. The user would hold the symbol cane in front of themselves to let people around them know that they are partially sighted. While this cane in front of themselves to let people around them know that they are partially sighted. While this cane is smaller than the standard long cane, it can be useful in busy locations.
DIFFERENT COLORS ON WHITE CANE
White canes have a few different variations on the classic design. Learning more about these differences can help you figure out what cane works best for you or better identifying those canes out in public. An all white cane means that the user is completely blind and has no usable vision. A white cane with a red bottom means that the user has low, but some usable vision. A white and red striped cane means that the user is totally blind or deaf.
SAFETY TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SIGHTED
*Stop your car at least 5ft from a crosswalk. Pedestrian who are visually impaired or blind may use the sound of your engine to locate crosswalk boundaries. If any part of your car is in the crosswalk, they may misjudge the safe area.
* Avoid honking at individuals using a white cane. People who are blind or visually impaired have no idea why you are honking.
* Avoid honking at individuals using a white cane. People who are blind or visually impaired have no idea why you are honking.
* It is okay to ask if assistance is needed. Ask the person who is blind or visually impaired for permission before before trying to assist. If the person asks you to keep guide them, offer your arm. They will hold your arm just above the elbow to follow your path.
Happy world white cane day... Gbetoho
