Q: What is a white cane for?

A: A white cane is a mobility tool that enables the person to move about safely and independently. It also acts as a symbol that the person carrying it has a vision impairment. There are three types of canes, each with a different function depending on the person's needs:-

A long cane usually comes up to the person's chest. The cane's Teflon tip makes the user aware of surface changes, curbs and other obstacles.

A symbol cane is thinner than a long cane and is normally 70cm in length. It is used only to indicate to others that the person has a vision impairment, it doesn't give the user any information about their environment.

A support cane is used by people who need extra support when walking but also want to indicate they have a vision impairment.

Q: Why is the cane white?

A: White is used internationally to signify vision impairment. Red is also normally used at the bottom of the canes. These colours make the cane more visible.

Q: Is the long cane computerised?

A: No, the person previews the environment through contact of the tip with the ground, detecting objects in their path. There are electronic devices that may be fitted to a cane to provide additional information, but they do not replace the role of the cane.

Q: How can I assist a vision-impaired pedestrian when I'm in a vehicle?

A:

• Be on the look-out for blind and vision-impaired pedestrians; they may take longer to start crossing than you may expect.
• Do not over-shoot the white line when you stop at a red light.
• Do not yell instructions, gesture or use your horn to communicate with the cane user. This could lead to confusion.
• Do not stop for the cane user to cross the road if the light is green for you. Traffic coming from the opposite direction may not stop and the pedestrian could get stuck in the middle of the road. This is a dangerous situation to negotiate.

Q: Should I offer assistance to a white cane user?

A: Definitely, but give them the choice to accept or decline your help. Please do not grab the person or their cane to indicate assistance.

Q: What training is required to use the white cane?

A: The type and length of training programme will depend on the individual, their level of functional vision, the type of travel they wish to do, and the type of cane to be used. White cane training is provided by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's Orientation and Mobility instructors.

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind is the primary provider of vision-related rehabilitation services to 11,500 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people. For more information:

phone: 0800 24 33 33
visit our website: www.rnzfb.org.nz
email us: awareness@rnzfb.org.nz

Related Links

Road Sense: sharing the road with blind and vision-impaired pedestrians
Getting around safely with orientation and mobility skills