Did you know that there are different types of white canes? Basically there are three different types and are used for three different purposes. An identity cane is a small cane that the user holds out in front so that others can see that the person is someone with low vision. The mobility cane is longer and used to feel the ground surface in front of the user. The support cane is solid and also white in colour. As the name suggests, it is mostly used for support.
For the first while after my knee surgery I used a walking frame. This gave me the support and balance I needed. As I have regained strength in my knee, I am gradually transitioning to a support cane. The cane is brilliantly white with a red tip. In other words, the colouring is the same as the mobility cane I have been used to using.
Now the surprise. By and large, the people I have met don’t seem to recognize this cane as indicating that I am someone with low vision. Occasionally I will catch sight of a sideways glance, but mostly the white cane seems to be regarded as just an ordinary cane. Prior to my own use of the support cane, I had never thought about this apparent lack of recognition.
I am looking forward to once again using my mobility cane. For one thing, it is way more useful in detecting the ground surface in front of me. For another, I am more readily identified as someone with low vision. For me, both of these are important functions.
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