Mobility Aids

There are 3 main types of mobility aids that can help those who are blind or have low vision: white canes, adaptive mobility devices and guide dogs. There are multiple different types of white canes and some require specialist training to be able to use them safely and effectively. 

White canes

Symbol cane

Symbol canes are short aluminium tubes that vary in length (between 70cm and 105cm) that can be used either folded or unfolded. This type of cane does not have a tip on the end as it is not designed to make contact with anything. It is specifically there in order to notify others that the person holding it has a visual impairment. This type of cane is usually held by the torso of the person, either diagonally across their body or straight down the side of their body, the same side as the hand that is holding it.  

Guide cane 

Guide canes are aluminium tubes that vary in length (between 85cm and 115cm) that can only be used unfolded. This cane should measure just above the waist of the person using it when the tip is in contact with the floor. This cane is used for basic mobility and is designed to protect the user from hazards. It is used to scan for obstacles that are coming up ahead, the further up the body this cane is held, the taller the obstacles have to be in order for them to be identified.

Long white cane 

Long white canes can be made from either aluminium or graphite. When measuring for a long cane, the height should be between the users breastbone (sternum) and nose when measured from the floor. The length of the cane depends on the users height and the speed that they walk. These canes can be purchased in both children’s heights (ranging from 70cm - 85cm) and adults heights (ranging from 105cm - 150cm). Other heights must be purchased as a custom order. Long white canes can be rigid, telescopic or foldable. You can also purchase various types of handles, including: leather, crook, golf, and cork. 

Long white canes can be no-jab. This type of long cane has a spring fitted in the handle. The spring absorbs some of the shock when the cane gets stuck. 

A long cane that can be particularly helpful for those with very little to no remaining functional vision is the WeWalk Smart Cane, it has a sensor in the handle which is able to detect low hanging obstacles to prevent injury.

This type of cane requires extensive specialist training in order to learn the correct technique. The training also ensures that someone is able to navigate safely, independently and confidently. The same person that provides this training may also support the person in learning to memorise routes that they use frequently so that they can build their confidence. 

Canes that have red and white stripes indicate that the person using it has both a visual impairment and a hearing impairment. In some places such as America and Canada, canes where the section of the shaft nearest the tip is red indicates that the person using the cane still has some remaining vision. In these places a fully white cane indicates that the person has no remaining vision.  

Adaptive mobility devices

Adaptive mobility devices are usually made using PVC pipes or carbon fiber and aluminium. The materials used to make these are lightweight, yet durable, this therefore reduces the fatigue during use. This makes these device suitable for children, elderly users, or those with limited strength. Adaptive mobility devices are easy to modify and can grow with the user unlike standard canes, which is why they are often used when teaching young children the basic skills they need when using a cane.

Guide dogs 

Guide dogs, although very cute and fluffy, are very helpful for someone who is blind or has low vision. They are able to locate empty chairs, find the lift/escalator and help you navigate routes that you need to in order to travel independently. They are not satnavs, you can’t just tell the dog to go here and they take you. You are expected to be able to provide the dog with directions.

At around 8 weeks, puppies are sent to live with volunteer puppy raisers. These people are responsible for the first steps of training the future life changers. Their main job is to teach the puppy basic obedience, socialisation, and make them experience different environments (such as busy supermarkets, parks, and workplaces).

Between the age of 14 and 16 months, eligible dogs go to puppy school. It is here that their training is specialised, and they learn to perform the tasks that actually make them guide dogs.

While at puppy dog school, the dogs are taught obedient disobedience. In short this means that if they are given a command (such as forward, to cross a road) and they deem it unsafe to perform that action they will not obey the command in order to keep the handler safe.

Guide dogs are paired with their visually impaired handler at around 18 months of age. In order for the partnership to be successful, it is important that the right dog is matched with the right handler. If you are walk and exercise a lot (there is a lot of work for the dog to do), you don’t want tp be matched with a low energy dog.