February 17 - White Cane Use

Generally speaking, I’m not surprised when people ask about my vision loss, but in the last few weeks and months I have been asked more specifically about my use of a white cane. When do I use the cane? Do I really need to use it? When don’t I use the white cane? Why don’t I use the cane all the time? Is this because of the stigma that is attached to it?

Personally, I have never felt the stigma that is sometimes perceived by others as a stigma attached to the use of a white cane. I have many feelings about my cane but a feeling of negativity that my cane makes me less of a person isn’t one of them. I sometimes see my cane as an awkward nuisance but most of the time I see it as a useful necessity. This doesn’t mean that in the beginning using the cane didn’t take some practice and getting used to the feel of it. It was hard to explain when I didn’t really understand it all myself.

So, when don’t I use my cane? For one thing, I never use it in my home. I don’t use it when I am visiting friends. I don’t use it in familiar places when I am walking with Lyle or a friend and when I know that the ground is level. I trust them to tell me if I am approaching any obstacle in my path.

When do I use my cane? Well, in mostly any other circumstance. I nearly always use my cane if I am out and about by myself in unfamiliar places or where there are steps or stairs. I always use my cane when we are travelling. Travelling with my white cane just makes life all that much easier.

I think that my white cane serves a double purpose. Firstly, it does help me to clear a path in front of me. As I hold the cane, I can detect obstacles in my way. I can feel for steps or slopes before I trip on them. Secondly, when other people see my cane they will usually move out of my way when I am walking towards them. People will often offer help when I look as if I need it. Sometimes when I am standing alone and waiting for Lyle, strangers will approach me to ask if they can help in any way. Often in the public washrooms when I am searching for a paper towel or soap dispenser, another woman will help. As a side note, I’m not sure why the powers that be feel the need to hide these essential items in the most unexpected places!

I do know when I need to use my cane and when I don’t think that it is necessary, but I suppose that it is the perceived inconsistency in my use of the cane that has prompted questions and curiosity. I hope that this simple explanation helps. As to whether or not I really need the cane – what is with this question? A person would not be asked if they really needed to wear glasses. I look at the white cane as a larger and more obvious aide to help me negotiate  a world geared to sight.