White Cane Types
Did you know that there are different kinds of white canes?
Identity Canes
These are used to identify their users with no or low vision. They are small and light, and can be folded up when not in use.
Guide Canes
Generally extend from the floor to the user’s waist, providing information about surroundings around a step ahead. It can be used to scan for curbs and steps. The guide can also be used diagonally across the body for protection, warning the user of obstacles immediately ahead. They too can be folded up when not in use.
Mobility/Long Canes
Designed primarily as a mobility tool used to detect objects and provide information about the environment to the user about two steps ahead of them. The cane’s length depends on the user’s height, and traditionally extends from the floor to the user’s sternum. It differs from the guide cane in that a long cane’s end has a tip of some kind – either rolling or pointed.
Support Canes
These canes do not typically fold up. They help people with both vision and mobility issues by providing extra support for getting around
Fun Fact
White canes are typically all white, with a red section at the bottom, but some people have personalized their cane in different colours. The white cane with a red base is the most widely recognized worldwide.
