20. White Canes in the Wild

White canes in the albinism community can be rather controversial. Some view them as a useful tool for navigation while others feel they are “overkill” for people with significant residual vision. After years of resistance, I share why I decided to use a white cane and how I find it beneficial when traveling independently. “White Canes in the Wild” debunks common misconceptions and shares tips for cane training!

“I think viewing canes as a tool in the toolbox rather than a sign of defeat would do our community a lot of good.”

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Key Points:

0:45 - Updates!

3:30 - What are white canes?

4:30 - Why are people, especially those with albinism, reluctant to use white canes?

13:30 - Why did I decide to start using a cane?

16:45 - How do people interact with cane users?

20:30 - Cane Training Tips!

Resources:

https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program https://www.enhancedvision.com/low-vision-info/should-you-be-using-a-white-cane.html https://lighthouseguild.org/the-white-cane-symbolizes-self-reliance-and-accomplishment/#:~:text=Despite%20technological%20advances%2C%20the%20white,to%20travel%20independently%20and%20safely https://www.letsenvision.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-white-cane Cane Training on my Own Terms https://lhblind.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-white-canes/ https://wecapable.com/blind-cane-tip-types/ https://wecapable.com/blind-cane-tip-types/ https://www.acb.org/whitecane https://brailleinstitute.org/white-cane-day

Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/20-white-canes-in-the-wild

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