White Cane
Vision Runner with White Cane 2008
^ Click Arrow Above To Listen
When I was diagnosed with RP, I contacted the State of Montana’s Blind and Low Vision Services to see what kind of programs were available. My case worker encouraged me to work with their mobility specialist, Mark O’Brien.
At first, I really didn’t see the need to train with a white cane. I still could see fairly well, and it seemed silly to me to use a white cane. People who used white canes were, well, blind, right? But Mark assured me that it would be a lot easier to learn how to use the cane while I could still see some, rather than wait. I was still feeling self-conscious and apprehensive, but I finally, reluctantly, agreed.
On my first outing with Mark, we went to a very busy intersection. He taught me how to read traffic patterns, so I would not have to rely on the traffic lights, although he did give me a monocular, so I could see the traffic signal, if I wanted. We crossed the busy streets many times, round and round, until I felt confident that I knew how to read the traffic.
After that, I had many more sessions with Mark. He taught me how to approach stairs, and navigate in small areas. At the time, I made a vow to myself that, even though I could still see fairly well, I would use the white cane for a year, whenever I went out. (Except running….That came years later.) After a year of consistent use, I would be well-trained and comfortable using the cane. Then I could put it away, and hopefully never have to use it again!
I had a friend who liked to take me shopping with him. He would tell me that I should use my white cane so I could get some practice in, but he had an ulterior motive. He really wanted me to use the cane so that I could clear the aisle for him as he shopped. 
It worked, too. People would see me coming, and immediately move out of the way. At the time, though, I could still see people’s faces and their reactions, so it was uncomfortable for me to watch everyone staring at me. I’m sure they presumed I couldn’t see them.
The funny thing is, I always thought that, too: that people using white canes could not see at all, and I was amazed at how well they could navigate with a stick! Of course, now I know better. A lot of blind people have some degree of vision.
It’s now 11 years later, and I’m still in touch with Mark and Diane and the other folks at Blind and Low Vision Services. Sometimes I need something that they can help me with. As my vision has been deteriorating, I am very grateful for the training I received. I use the techniques Mark taught me all the time, especially with respect to traffic, as I can no longer see the traffic lights at all, not even with a monocular.
Even though I don’t use my white cane in my everyday activities, I have started, just in the past few months, to use it while walking home from work in the mornings, and during my runs.
But that is another blog…
Stay tuned….
How ‘bout it?
Vision Runner
P.S. We’d love to hear your insights and comments and stories….leave a comment below! Thanks!
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Tags: blind, Blind and Low Vision Services, eyesight, mobility training, monocular, Montana, Retinitis Pigmentosa, RP, run, Runner, Running, Vision, Vision Runner, white cane
September 30th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Rhonda,
I always saw you with your cane, and now I know the story behind it! Thanks for sharing parts of you life with us. I look forward to it.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:08 am
A thoughtful commentary, Rhonda. Thanks! I will try to make sure Mark gets a look at this.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I enjoyed reading your insights on the white cane, Rhonda, and I’m really glad that you are providing the public with information on it. A lot of people think that the long white cane is just for someone who is totally blind, but for many people it enables them to use the vision that they have more efficiently and easily. The long white cane will let them clear the path they are walking in, which frees their vision to look up and watch out for cars or bicycles. If any of your readers are visually impaired and want to learn more about using a long white cane, they can contact our office (329-5400) and ask for Mark O’Brien.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
YRJwgG Thanks for good post
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:51 pm
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading!
-VR
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
An Insightful Post when a Blind Runner first used a White Cane!…
An insightful blog post by a blind runner (low vision women) about when she first learned to use the white cane and her orientation and mobility training….
June 17th, 2009 at 6:10 am
[...] I started using my white cane, there were times when fear and frustration nearly won out. I would take off running on the [...]
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Hello!!!
I found this very interesting I am a 16 year old female, dealing with low vision my entire life, but it has been getting worse lately, and am now having to learn to use a white cane. I don’t want to have to use it, like you said i’ve thought their for completely blind people. But your description of learning while still having vision, and using it has helped me still!! I think I might start using it more often, (not all the time) not quite comfortable using it at school yet!!!