31 July 2024
There are a wide range of Assistive Devices that have been developed and are available for persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired, so that they can be more mobile and independent. These assistive devices are known as Mobility Aids and can range in price and include both "low tech" inexpensive devices such as White Canes, as well as more expensive "high tech" equipment, such as Smart Glasses. The Mobility Aids listed on this page don't only include equipment, but can also include Guide Animals and Accessible Features, such as Tactile Paving. Orientation Techniques can also be taught and used by persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired, so that they can be more mobile. These Orientation Techniques & the use of White Canes or Guide Dogs + Accessible Features which the Government has introduced, can help persons who are Blind, to be able to travel around & navigate successfully from point A to point B. Some persons who are Blind use a wide range of these Mobility Aids, while others only require one or two of them to be able to travel independently.
White Canes/Mobility Canes
A White Cane, sometimes known as Mobility Canes, is a thin white stick used as a Mobility Aid by Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired, they are used to improve their mobility and to scan their surroundings for obstacles or orientation marks. Mobility Canes are often made from aluminium, graphite-reinforced plastic or other fibre-reinforced plastic, and can come with a wide variety of tips depending upon user preference.
Techniques for cane travel can vary depending on the user and/or the situation. A White Cane also help for other traffic and in identifying the user as Blind or Visually Impaired. The White Cane with a red tip is the international symbol of blindness and the Cane's prominent white colour helps to identify it, and is mandatory in many jurisdictions. There are however a variety of different types of Canes that can be used by Persons With Visual Impairments, the choice depends on the individual's vision, motivation, and a variety of other factors. The different options of Canes include:
A Long Cane: This Cane is used to extend the user's range of touch sensation. It is usually swung in a low sweeping motion, across the intended path of travel, to detect obstacles. This is the traditional white cane and can also be known as a "Hoover Cane". The Cane length depends upon the height of a user, and traditionally extends from the floor to the user's sternum. Some Organizations favor the use of much longer canes.
Guide Cane: This is a shorter Cane and generally extends from the floor to the user's waist. It has a more limited mobility function and is used to scan for kerbs and steps. The guide cane can also be used diagonally across the body for protection, warning the user of obstacles immediately ahead.
Identification (ID) Cane: The ID cane is used primarily to alert others as to the bearer's Visual Impairment. It is often lighter and shorter than the long cane, and has no use as a mobility tool.
A Support Cane: The White Support Cane is designed primarily to offer physical stability to a person who is Visually Impaired, but the colour of the cane also works as a means of identification. This tool has very limited potential as a mobility device.
Kiddie Cane: This version works the same as an adult's Long Cane but is designed for use by children.
Green Cane: Used in some countries to designate that the user has low vision while the white cane designates that a user is blind.
Types of White Canes
White Canes can be either collapsible or straight, with both versions having pros and cons. It is believed that the lightness and greater length of the straight canes allows greater mobility and safety, but collapsible canes can be stored with more ease, giving them an advantage in crowded areas such as in classrooms and at public events. There are a variety of different types and sizes of these White Canes that are sold in South Africa including the following which are sold by organizations such as the South African National Council for the Blind, Sensory Solutions and Edit Microsystems:
The Rigid Cane: The Rigid Cane is made of durable aluminium and does not fold away but stays rigid, it is sold by companies and organisations such as Edit Microsystems and the South African National Council for the Blind. Contact them to receive a quote or to find out more about these Canes.
White Collapsible Canes are also available in South Africa & can either fold away or are telescopic, which helps with storage.
White Folding Canes: This Cane, is white and is made of durable aluminium and folds away easily into a bag. It is available to purchase from various organizations & companies such as Edit Microsystems & South African National Council for the Blind, contact them to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Telescopic Canes: are also available in South Africa and are sold by various companies such as Edit Microsystems, they include products such as:
The ila MiniCane Carbon Fiber Telescopic White Cane: (pictured right), this telescopic cane is made of durable carbon fiber. When collapsed, it measures only 9.25″. It comes in a zippered protective case that will fit easily in a purse, back-pack or suitcase. When it is stretched out for use, it measures the full length of the cane, including the handle and tip. The permanent standard tip is made of nylon. A very small, lightweight cane such as this ila MiniCane makes an excellent back-up cane to replace your regular one when it gets lost or broken. It is also good for individuals who use a cane intermittently, as needed. Various sizes are available but subject to stock availability, they include :-45″, 46″, 48″, 49″, 51″, 52″, 55″, 56″, 59″.
This Cane is available to purchase from companies such as Edit Microsytems, contact them to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Source: http://disabilityinfosa.co.za/visual-impairments/assistive-devices-equipment/mobility-aids/
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