When do you start using a white cane?

mariaw

Hello everyone I hope you are enjoying the summer ?. I have glaucoma which means my eyes are extremely sensative to everything..wind, rain, lights and of course sunlight. It doesnt stop me getting out and about yet for which I am grateful. I have a question for white stick users..when is the best time to get one as I think it may take training to use one.

steve51

Hi @mariaw

Good morning and welcome. 

I do hope that you are enjoying the very warm weather!!!! 

I have found some info for you below. 

https://help.rnib.org.uk/help/daily-living/transport-travel/need-cane

https://search.scope.org.uk/s/redirect?collection=scope-meta&url=https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/44163/blind-people&index_url=https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/44163/blind-people&auth=UUk9X6s97BKqr1YG8TDfqA&profile=_default&rank=1&query=Blind

I do hope that this is OK????? 

You should get some more replies shortly from our many members in our online community. 

Chloe_Scope

Hi @mariaw and the warmest welcome to the community! I hope you will find the online community a supportive environment where others can provide advice and guidance. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us all. I too have a visual impairment and started using a white cane about a year ago. It is down to personal preference if you use one. However, I have found that my cane has been way more useful then I anticipated! I don't think I realised how much it could help until I got one. I also don't know if my sight will get worse, I felt it would be useful to learn to use a white cane while I still had some useful vision. I completely can emphasise with the emotional aspect of using a cane and this was something I struggled with in the beginning. Please do feel free to message me if you want to talk about this more

If you need anything else then please do not hesitate to be in touch! 

Chloe_Scope

Thank you @Username_removed for that! Great advice! The RNIB website explains the different types of canes and how they can all be used- this might be worth a look, @mariaw
https://www.rnib.org.uk/cane-explained

mariaw

Thank you so much for your replies they are very helpful and informative. I will have a look on the sites you recommended ?