Using the White Cane, the Right Way

I found a YouTube video showing how to use the white cane. There, you can see a sighted person trying to experience that white stick we blind are using. According to the sighted woman in the video, it was hard and scary. But it looked like she enjoyed the experience anyway. Watch the presentation below and if you’re sighted, tell us in the comments if you’ve ever tried it also or if you’re blind, share any tips you may have for those who want to learn how to use the white cane.

Learn More About the White Cane

What is a white cane?

A white cane is a long rodlike device used by visually impaired people. It gives useful information about the environment like if there are obstacles, curves, stairs, or other things in the environment that the visually impaired must deal with. It can also alert other people that there is a blind person around. It can also help the blind when crossing the street. Drivers usually slow down or stop completely when they see a white cane; that means a blind is about to cross the street and it is their way of saying, hey, we are here.

Why use a white cane?

It can give the blind these benefits:

• safety
• identification

Different types of canes

Different White Cane Materials

• aluminum
• fiberglass
• carbon fiber

Different White Cane Styles

• collapsible
  • telescopic
  • elastic
• solid

Different White Cane tips

There are also different styles of cane tips. From small metal tips to large round nylon tips. Or the large marshmallow type tips.

Now you know that white canes come in different sizes, material used and styles. Each has its purpose so choose wisely.