How To Use A White Cane - The Basics

#Whitecane #blind #blindness #lowvision
Ever wonder how a white cane works? Are you low-vision and considering a white cane? Wonder no longer. In today's video, we explore the basics of cane travel and how to get started using a white cane for mobility use. Leave any mobility questions down below!
MYTH: You need to be legally blind or completely blind to use a white cane.
FACT: You do not need to be completely blind or have a specific visual acuity to use a white cane. If you have any kind of visual issue you can use a white cane.
Jump To Section:
Basic Cane Use, Grip, and Sweeping Technique: 2:15
Basic Shorelineing: 6:25
Counting with Shorelineing: 8:08
Uneven Ground/2 Point Touch: 9:30
Crossing Streets: 11:12
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Thumbnail Description: Tamara walking outside with her white cane in a black coat. Text on a smoky background reads: how to use a white cane.
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Filmed on Lumix G7

[@hiskingdom]

Also as a visually impaired person I like that you were wearing the black which contrasts extremely well against the very light background.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

That was just a happy accident! Although I’m glad the added contrast differentiation helped :)

[@user-zf8vd7fd5j]

Orientation and Mobility Teacher here - this video is GREAT! This has been the most informative video I have found to date with information that I can share with my students. Sometimes having our students watch the technique and be explained by an actual cane user really sells the concept. Great work on this video!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you so much! It means a lot knowing that a proper professional thinks I’m doing things well! I would never be in the place I am without awesome folks like you making sure I could navigate safely. Thank you for all that you do!

[@mrwheedles5373]

I've been slowly losing my sight for the past six years, I actually have been using my umbrella as a cane but now I'm in need of a proper cane. I'm scared to use it, because I feel people staring at me. But I have to if I want to be more independent. Thank you so much.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It’s always a big adjustment when you need to start using a mobility tool. I was petrified of using my cane for years. But you do adapt and I’ve come to realize most people aren’t staring because they think you are weird they are watching to see if you may need their assistance or if they need to move out of your way. I wish you luck on the start of your new cane journey and know most of us have been there so are happy to support and commiserate as the need presents. 😊

[@starfishstudioart8311]

Thank you for making this! I'm working on a comic series featuring a blind character, and your breakdown of how to hold and move the cane is so helpful from a drawing/posing perspective!

[@LearnEnglishWithMatta]

Very much appreciate how thorough and well organized this video is. It’s been essential to helping a close friend use his new cane. God bless 💪🏽

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m so glad to hear that this video helped! It’s what keeps me making videos. :)

[@luiselapostolfeliz2421]

@@UnsightlyOpinions Cool video.

[@lanagievski1540]

Thank you for this! I wish America had similar beeping crossings to Australia. It’s very helpful for me personally

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

There’s no audible crossings in the US?! Wow that’s awful. I hope they eventually put some in.

[@lizdenhup]

You are an absolute legend for making these videos. I am waiting for orientation and mobility instruction (there is a long waitlist). I have been able to get around San Francisco these past four months due to this video. I am re-watching to brush up before going on a trip! Thank you so much. I have the same cane as you too, I like it a lot.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I am so glad you found it helpful and it’s made such a huge impact. It truly warms my heart and keeps me motivated to keep making videos. I hope you have a lovely trip! :)

[@sarahguck-gerulski5868]

Thank you! I have been suffering from ocular migraines for almost a year now. Unlike most ocular migraine sufferers, I can lose my vision for the entire length of my migraine. Typically this means partial or total visual imparment and loss for as much as 72 hours. After several instances of missing steps, curbs, changes in the terrine, and even falling I decided to get a white cane. Because I'm not actually blind and only have intermittent vision loss there aren't really any resources avaliable to me.

[@antonisadkowski8598]

I'm here just to satisfy my curiosity. The curiosity has been succesfully satisfied.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Glad to hear it :)

[@rickfoster7712]

Thank you for your excellent introduction to using a white cane. This will be very helpful as I participate in a fundraiser challenge by walking a mile while blindfolded. The fundraiser is to help support The Vision Resource Center, a non-profit that helps blind and visually impaired people in the Fayetteville, NC area. I am sighted and one of our totally blind members will be coaching me as I walk a mile blindfolded. Looking forward to walking a mile in his shoes. Thank you.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Sounds like a very interesting fundraiser! Good luck. :)

[@kimhollenbeck6954]

That is really good white cane techniques to use on walks and on uneven ground etc

[@user-ng7ij5ri4f]

It is great information, taking into account that I personally use the white cane because I have irreversible vision loss, so it has been a process to manage it and also a lot of patience.

[@kerzain]

❤ I just went blind a few months ago. I just got my white cane the free one from the National Federation For The Blind and the first thing I did was look for a video to teach me how to use it. I am currently in the process of trying to get an ONM specialist to come down. I just need to schedule that when they’re available and I will learn how to use it but in the meantime, I’m glad to see that this video is here, and I will hopefully get a lot out of it I just wanted to comment now before I get lost in KZbin because I’m also new to using this platform while blind, because I haven’t done so yet.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It sounds like you are well on your way to adapting to vision loss. It's quite a journey but we're all here to support each other so if ever you need anything or have specific questions I and this community is always happy tho help out where we can. :)

[@louisepianokeyz2860]

Great video! And you look stunning in all of your outfits too! I love the musical scarf you are wearing, I also have one in grey! Your videos are always well put together. Have a lovely week! Xx

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you so much Louise! My music scarf is one of my favourites. I wish I could figure out how to wear more scarves! I’ve got way too many for how often I wears them haha! Hope your week is fantastic as well. :)

[@ginamani4546]

Thank you sooo much. My mom is losing her eyesight and we are having trouble getting help and navigating. This helps alot

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I am glad to be of service. Losing vision can be tough, but there's an awesome community of blind and low vision folks who are always happy to help. If you need any additional support, I'm always happy to answer questions, and there are great Facebook and Reddit groups that are all about finding resources and answering questions. :)

[@Reviews__]

Hi, i've had cane training 24 years ago. This video is a good refresher.

[@alexanderlarsen5641]

I’m not blind, but i still find this video informative and helpful.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm glad you found it helpful! :)

[@brancroidubh5996]

Now that is the biggest apprehension I have. I was hit by a car when younger. Crossing traffic is a big worry to me right now. I know that with time and experience I will adapt. but at this early stage of the lights dimming "as I say to myself." Tis most vexing to my nervous side. Still I find your videos very informative and uplifting. Please continue. Cheers!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you found the video engaging. I’m so sorry to hear you were hit by a car! That would make anyone nervous crossing the street! I hope you are able to find a new confidence as you move forward on your journey! Best of luck. :)

[@jonathanramsdell906]

You might want to add a spoken commentary to your intro to this video to let people know that there is a VERY LONG - 2 1/2 minutes - commercial before your video runs, some fast-talking doctor telling everyone that he has the only solution to the broken health care system, and that you need to buy his book to hear what he has to say! A huckster, for sure! BTW, your video is a good, no-nonsense intro for people who have never before used a cane. As someone who has used one since before college, fifty years ago, I'm both amazed and astounded that there are people such as yourself doing such videos. There was nothing like this even ten years ago. Thanks!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

A. 2 1/2 minute video! Yikes! That's pretty miserable. I sadly have no control over what KZbin decides to put as ads before my content. I am glad that the video itself is useful and no-nonsense :)

[@debb6054]

Very educational. You are an excellent teacher explaining that so well. Thank you.🙂

[@ratherbfishing455]

went to an emergency room teaching Hospital only had sunglasses and a trekking Pole I'm legally blind in my right eye and my cornea had swelled up after a cornea transplant and cataract surgery on my left eye. a friend drop ped me off and I was at the elevators and asked a nurse where the emergency room was and she said that she didn't know it was her first day and walked off. I saw a sign but couldn't read it so I asked another woman where the emergency room was and she said she didn't know. finally a couple asked me if I needed help and told me where the down button was on the elevator and eventually made my way to the emergency room. I was so dumb not to take my white cane but didn't realize my eyesight would get worse. I couldn't believe they were going to take someone about 30 seconds to read a sign and didn't make the time to help me. thanks for the good video. using voice hopefully this makes sense. Also I ran into a couple and the were very upset and said something in Spanish

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Not using a white cane has gotten me into a whole host of trouble too. When people can’t identify you have vision loss they tend to be very unforgiving and unaccommodating. I hope your white cane serves you well with your changing vision.

[@chiisai9877]

Thank you so much for this! It is INCREDIBLY helpful! I'm legally blind and it's getting worse every year...and I'm also super light sensitive (which is just...so nice of my biology to just add in lol) so I need to wear sunglasses all the time. So when I'm outside my vision is absolutely worthless. My dog helps me with navigation a bit but he's not actually a service dog, he's just a very helpful boy lolol. Anyways, thank you for this video. I can't afford O&M right now and my insurance cruelly doesn't cover it. Edit: By the way, don't worry, I'm going to be very safe!!! My fiance helps me with traversing the city, I usually am holding his hand. But I do want a little bit of independence so I can walk around the neighborhood alone. I wouldn't go to the busy city area. I don't plan on going downtown or anything crazy until I can get through to my blind center to do O&M.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m so glad to hear you found it helpful! Losing vision can be incredibly stressful and boy do I empathize with the light sensitivity and photophobia. I’m glad you are working towards independence and hope you are able to get in for training soon. It’s so important and I feel that it should be a free social service. But anyways I’m getting off topic. Wishing you all the best. :)

[@mrwheedles5373]

Me too, I don't have a dog but I'm always holding onto somebody wherever I go and my umbrella is all I have at the moment. I was too scared to use a cane. I hope it all works out for you!

[@davidl3325]

I am also legally blind oh I know what you're going through

[@sarahoakes5843]

This has been really helpful. Been thinking of upgrading from a symbol cane for a while as my night vision is getting worse and fell over recently. This has been great learning some tips for when I do that.

[@darrellradford8240]

Thank you for posting this .

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@PramarthPramarth-kn1bn]

The best blend life video is in my phone

[@darrenhowell7855]

Thank you.

[@uolvetalkstocreatevalue5999]

This was awesome- great video to bring awakening in people who have got eyes.

[@sabrinabrashers4502]

Thank you, that was so helpful

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

You are most welcome! I'm glad to have been of service. :)

[@timothyrauscher19]

Very practical and informative, thank you.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My pleasure. :) I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@ALittleSnowFairySaga]

Perfect explained! I also use constant contact instead of two-point.

[@hiskingdom]

Thank you. You’re inspiration …and may God continue to bless you in helping others.😇

[@stacydesouza8696]

Great video good tips

[@harleymonroe6018]

You explained all of that very well.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

[@jamaldinosaur8815]

Really loved this video! ❤

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks Jamal! :D

[@daynavango8039]

❤ awesome. Thanks so much

[@bzobzo2359]

Great video! Thank you

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My pleasure. I’m glad you found it useful! :)

[@ahsanhabib5458]

Loved your guides. Its so useful.. Thanks

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you! I’m glad you are finding it helpful! :)

[@satomim]

I’m new to use white cane. Your video helped me a lot. Thank you very much!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!! Good luck on your cane learning journey :)

[@astritenergy1922]

Oh my God you are so talented in explaining the things. Thank you very very much for this very informative video. You couldnt have done it better. You have a great positive energy. BIG thumbs up!! Definitely continue and make more videos

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you found it helpful. :)

[@sightlesshero1969]

Love this! X

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. :D

[@leonorajabian3479]

Thanks that good ideas, I share it to my learners, by using local cane

[@TechieVenkateshhTamil]

Good explanation, stay healthy and live happily forever.

[@megaTagee]

Another great video! I truly appreciate these. For now I just use a white ID cane but am trying to get more comfortable with the idea of using a long cane eventually.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It can be quite the process learning how to use it and get comfortable enough with it To feel confident But if it’s something you need to do you’ll get there. 😀

[@lesflower1426]

thank you so much very helpful and yes i am having a really tough time finding an O and M

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m really glad you found it helpful! I know the struggle. There are far too few O&M instructors. I’ll add in some time stamps so you can jump back and forth to different techniques as need be! And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions 😀

[@n3rdv10l3nc3]

I'm vision impaired but have fairly strong corrected vision (i.e. forward-facing, but not peripheral), to the point of being mainstreamed, and I've just picked up a white cane in my 30s, in order to: a. signal to others that I have incomplete vision and (hopefully) encourage them to be more cautious around me, especially motorists (a few near death experiences from drivers making right on reds into my blind spot); and b. so that I can spend less time staring at the ground four feet in front of me, and instead be able to look around at the world, landmarks, etc. The closest O&M training is a couple hundred miles away (Texas is geographically large & empty) and since I'm trying to signal more than I'm trying to orientate, I've been making due with internet guides until I can get to formal training. Your video was very accessible, and helpful! I have weak wrists too (Ehler-Danlos) & hearing that it's okay to hold it lower in the grip & use my forearm a little put me at ease, as did the reminder that it's okay for the partially sighted to make use of white canes, too. I'm terribly afraid of appropriating the mobility aid, as being mainstreamed has left me in a lot of ways feeling "too sighted" -- so thank you for the advice & guidance!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m so glad the video put you at ease and was accessible to you. I’m happy to hear that you are trying it out as when I had more vision I had a couple of very close calls before deciding a cane was the best option for me. Never worry about appropriating something if it’s something you need or makes you feel more secure. We all need mobility tools for many reasons and you definitely don’t need to have total blindness to benefit from a cane. It’s sad that O&M is so hard to come by. It’s a much needed thing for so many people and so unattainable. Hence why I felt the video was so important. And it appears we have something else in common too haha I have cEDS so I expect we have similar challenges using wrist only. :)

[@ahmedbilal6493]

Great work....

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks a lot! Cheers

[@buddycollier3541]

Great video! Crossing streets is my biggest fear

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It’s still one that gives me anxiety when it’s a busy unfamiliar intersection. But it gets more normal with practice and time! 😊

[@levinyman8790]

Thank you so much for this! I have an autoimmune disease which attacks my nerves, recently they have advanced to attacking my ocular nerves which has caused visual impairment and it is estimated that within the year I will lose my sight to the extent I am legally blind. Anyway all of this to say that my doctor has suggested I prepare for this change in vision status and ideally use a white cane to improve my safety out and about but there's a very large waitlist for O&M specialists in my area

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It sounds like you have been through a lot with your health. I know the wait lists can be obscenely long and frustrating. But getting the basics down will go a long way. :) I wish you luck as you navigate the world in this new way and know that you can always pop back if you have any questions or need any support!

[@Mick1WV]

Thank you so much for your help! I got so much more out of this video than just learning how to use a cane. I really appreciate your verbal descriptions. They are concise and well rounded. I truly takes another visually impaired person to understand the vital necessity of good verbally descriptive communication skills. The sighted community can learn much from the non-sighted. Everyone could communicate more effectively and accomplish more if they watched your skills.

[@codywilliams3500]

You are so amazing woman Great video!

[@kimhollenbeck6954]

I am also legally blind with limited vision and I use a white cane like the cane that you are using,I also have cataracts in my eyes and on may 30 2022 I am getting some more retraining my white cane with an o&m instructor because of my worsening low vision due to the cataracts

[@ramblingmillennial1560]

Awesome video. You explained everything so well! Im about a month and a half into my O&M training. Im liking it so far but still not very confident about using a cane in my everyday life yet.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you are enjoying your O&M. It’s quite an intensive process. But really opens up possibilities for independence. Confidence will come I promise! You’ll be zipping around at high speed in no time!

[@anjaleearora4742]

Am going to start using. Would love more cane related video plz

[@eightlives888]

Great video! I got diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa this year and it’s been really difficult getting places at night, my partner guides me most of the time but I’ve been looking into getting a cane so I don’t have to rely on her too much.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Picking up a cane is a great start to taking back your independence. It can feel so empowering to do something again that you couldn’t do before. While I know the transition into blindness is a steep uphill battle, I wish you a smooth journey and am always here if you have any questions. :)

[@janiskanal5477]

Good video

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀

[@jonferdig3205]

Thank you... Loved the video.... As of Oct 2022, I was declared lega;;u blind (excuse the typos)...and have had no formal training on the stick so your vid was much appreciated...Using it correctly is important because people at the grocery store are getting mad at me for beating my way to the head of the check out ......Love Ya

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My goodness! It sure does take time to adapt to using a cane! I've had my fare share of embarrassing stories either butting in line or tripping over people or them over me. I'm sure you'll get there! Always happy to help point you in the right direction when needed. :)

[@fabiolasingh9262]

Thanks it help me because I have RP I like using my white cane I do not have any training yet because I'm only 45 percent blind thanks so much😍

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm so glad to be of service. :) It's unfortunate people need to wait so long to get training. So many benefit much sooner than many programs allow.

[@farelheart5031]

Thank you for that useful video. I will be getting some professional orientation and mobility training within the next six weeks. I have some usable vision left so it’s not quite as important for me to use the cane at all times properly but I still want to learn the techniques. I also was wondering if you ever used a guide dog I’ve been watching you for a while but I don’t remember if you have one or not. If you do, which do you think is more effective or better? I’m sure that’s a matter of preference and opinion but I just wanted to get yours. Thank you again for your helpful videos.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Congrats on taking the plunge into O&M! It can truly bring back independence even when you have remaining vision. :) I am a guide dog user on my third dog.. I think what you asked is fantastic question. Would you mind if I answer that one in my 500 sub Q&A next week? It’s a great topic that’s important to talk about.

[@pedrof8632]

Very nice and you are beautiful, you helped me choose fl-41 lenses for photofobia

[@momsarasunar9288]

Thanks this vidiyo sister miss you from nepal

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@alst1]

Okay, that video just scared the bejesus out of me! Take care out there! 2 kids hit by cars & 1 scary nearly hit, 2 cats & a dog hit & killed has made me so nervous on busy streets! That is why I love the shore! & yes, you are very familiar with those of whom I speak!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Don’t worry! I’m very careful! :)

[@davidsherry6970]

Iv been getting training to use A long cane and doing well

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

That's fantastic to hear! I hope it continues to go well!

[@davidsherry6970]

Thank you so much, I was a tad embarrassed at first but now I don't care lol

[@davidsherry6970]

Just subscribed to your channel

[@blacksheepgirl]

I learned to put my index finger where you put your thumb. :)

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Always fun to hear the slight variations in cane techniques! :)

[@user-nx3du6xh9j]

Id really appreciate a tutorial on ideas on how i might use a cane from a manual wheelchair

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It's on it's way! As I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user (soon-to-be full time user) I will definitely be doing a tutorial on how it all works! :) If you want in the meantime, I chat a little about it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4uyf5KBrq2Zp9U

[@GarrettCasteel]

I use mine a little differently than most people I step with the corresponding foot as my cane I like to have a longer one than normal so I can do that i like to have my cane in front of my foot so I cam be sure that I won’t kick something because that is more likely to happen to the one in front Even though I have long legs I take small steps to get the feel from the ground so this is the way I do it if am using my cane witch doesn’t happen very often since I have learned other ways of getting around and I usually see something anyway

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm glad you found a system that works well for you!

[@marissasolaun3807]

Hi , any tips for mastering the technique of stepping with one foot and sweeping in the opposite direction ? I do have a cognitive impairment, and struggle with this concept . I might see if I can get more cane training. Thought I would ask u to see if you have advice . TIA

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I would start very slow. One step at a time and try to get it down as it will become muscle memory with practice. For some people it helps if you imagine wearing big clown shoes and that you need to move the cane out of the way before your big shoes hit it.

[@fivesaxseven9742]

This is a very interesting video. Thank you! Unfortunately, I'm much slower than you when moving the cabe. Therefore the tip keeps getting stuck in the grass. Do you think a larger ball would solve the problem? I use a Comde stick (a model from Switzerland) with a 3.5 cm ball like tip. Many greetings from Germany, Tobias

[@daveagar5594]

Hi Tamara. I have been asked to train a Blind man how to survive in the wilderness if he gets into a tough situation. Do you have any suggestions?

[@kimhollenbeck6954]

I use my white cane in a sweeping motion

[@marissasolaun3807]

Hi, have you ever used a straight cane? Have you found it provides more feedback than a folding one ?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I have, but only very briefly. I know some people swear it does, but I truly haven’t found a difference and find the convenience of being able to fold it smaller far outweighs any tiny differences in how it feels. That being said, not all folding canes feel as sturdy or as responsive. I 100% love the graphite canes from Ambutech as I feel they are the most rigid while still folding. And they don’t get stuck together like the aluminum ones do which I think is a massive bonus!

[@sannaslife6395]

A really good video you are really good at explaining. I am a new subscriber.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks so much! I’m so glad you found the explanations helpful:) and thanks for joining our little community.

[@johnmcateer1929]

How about trying the latest new cane tip by Ambutech called, "Pathfinder 360° rolling ball cane tip." I invented this (a long with Ambutech) Sold on Amazon.

[@barrytaylorprofoundlydeafi2479]

Very good video! I live in the UK I am legally deaf! But also I only have one good eye! I got an ulcer in my left eye! For the past 2 months my good eye has been patched as I am waiting for a new artificial lense! So I am now legally deafblind 😭I have started to use red/white cane (deafblind in the UK ) it was more of a symbol cane but I am going to buy a long handled one with a roller ball so I can feel when I am near the edge of a curb! Here in the UK we have dropped pavements & slabs with like lots of solid balls so a roller tip cane would help! I was told I would need around a 50 to 55 inch long cane as I am 6ft 1inch! Is that about the right length? Because of covid training has stopped! So went on you tube & fate directed me to you! I must admit you walk so well with a cane! Here in the UK people are scared to use a cane for the first time! All the comments & pity! Worse still when they see my hearing aids & know at the moment I am deafblind 😭 I have found social media to be hard! A lot of people won't even reply! It's like they have their own deaf or blind club! It's so lonely 😭😭

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I’m so sorry to hear about your experience of isolation and loneliness. Everyone is welcome in this little corner of the internet. White canes are fantastic, especially given your increasingly limited vision at the moment. As for the cane length some people prefer a little longer, some a little shorter. My recommendation is if you walk very quickly you will want a little taller because it will give you a few extra inches to know where you’re headed and give you a few milliseconds more to respond to obstacles. The general rule of thumb I have always heard is measure to either the bottom or top of your arm/shoulder when it is outstretched to the side. Hope that helps!

[@barrytaylorprofoundlydeafi2479]

@@UnsightlyOpinions I can't thank you enough for your wonderful advice! Deafblind is a wide spectrum! From totally deaf & blind to partially deaf &partially blind! I have worn hearing aids for over 25 years so I am oral,I don't sign as I have a sort of word blindness I can read but not spell that well! The phone writes this! But to spend 2 MTHS so far legally blind has knocked my confidence! Here in the UK we had to shield so I had less contact with the outside world plus we have to try & keep two meters apart with little sight that's hard! So I said to myself it could be at least another month before I may have decent sight! My patch comes off twice a day for drops! So I try and make the most of seeing things! But I decided that my cane would come out of the drawer & get used as I could not rely on my hearing! People i spoke with on social media started to ignore me as I could not post as much! Now I cannot lipread more so since masks! How many of us ever thought we would lose sight & hearing! Sorry for rambling on! What must you think a complete stranger pouring their heart out! 😭I will get at least a 50 inch cane! I have learnt a great deal from you,your a great teacher! Were you born blind? I have not checked to see if there is a video about your life! I just want other you tubers to chat to me & break my isolation! Enjoy the rest of your Easter! 💖💖💖

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

@@barrytaylorprofoundlydeafi2479 I don’t mind at all! I enjoy hearing about people’s stories and their experiences. My first boyfriend was deaf blind. He had hearing Aids as well I know a very minuscule amount of signing from that experience. It’s been very isolating for me as well, I really have not left the house in more than a year because I was supposed to shield because of the pandemic. I’m glad you are on the mend and will be able to see by the time it’s nice outside. I was born legally blind, but lost the majority of my vision in pre-teens. So I’m pretty used to navigating the world as someone with a visual impairment. I do have a few videos talking about my life and my experience if you want to check them out 😝 but that’s totally up to you.

[@barrytaylorprofoundlydeafi2479]

@@UnsightlyOpinions thank you again for the kind words I have managed to watch some of your amazing video's I hope you found true happiness now! Anyone would be happy to have you in there life! We all had our bad moments in life I was raped by a school teacher at 13 so gave me gender issues! Which are probably not the right subject on here as it's mainly about blindness! I was checking my you tube account & all the deafblind people I have opened up to apart from you have not even bothered to reply! I thought the deafblind community was better than that! 😭😭😭You are the other side of the water & find time to reply, where as here in the UK you have to be in a long term group on all social media! You lost your sight bit by bit but with me I had to be extra careful of my good eye over the years! Then to lose most of my hearing made it harder! I am not looking for pity! But I am scared 😭😭the eye doctor said I may end up with the same amount of sight as my bad eye! And that I would need a deafblind cane for the rest of my life! Now about to get a cane with a roller tip makes it seem real! You make it look so easy! It's good you have someone to film you for you tube! I think you will help a lot of newly blind people! I wish there were more people like you in the UK! 🥰🥰

[@kimhollenbeck6954]

The problem that I am going through in my city due to my cataracts in my eyes because it prevents me from seeing objects,cars etc.I have been using my white cane since the age of 19 after I graduated in bc canada.I have had very low vision loss from being born really early in 1965

[@littlekitten4147]

My sister is super nervous. Her depth perception and balance has always been bad but recently it’s been getting worse cause of a head injury and she needs to use a cane to help her tell whether there is a dip in the ground in front of her or not (she even struggles telling that a curb has depth it’s that bad) and she’s super shy about using a cane and has used the one I got her only once or twice. Is there any advice I can give her? Is it okay I got her one? It’s just she needs something that tells her what’s in front of her because other wise she shuffles her feet and trips a lot and I wanna see her be confident again. Also if she is okay with using one (like she isn’t doing something bad by using one) is there a specific color? Do I need to take her to a doctor for like written approval or something?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

There are many types of visual impairment and a cortical visual impairment due to brain injury certainly counts in regard to using a white cane. You don't need a doctor to sign off on it. And there's no laws saying you can't use one until you are X level of blind. If she can't see depth and is tripping and falling I say use one. If she's more confident with a different colour because it feels less "blind" then that's also okay too. There are ton's of colours available from pink, to purple, to green, whatever suits her fancy. I'd check out Ambutech if you want something with a fun colour. Otherwise Amazon is a good bet for inexpensive canes. :)

[@seanleechild]

I have RP Retinitis Pigmentosa. I see fairly in daylight and within my central vision, but lack night vision and peripherals. I like simplicity and minimalism and dislike using any accessories. But my doctor advised me that I SHOULD use my white cane more often, because even though I can navigate fine in familiar areas, I often miss people and things from my lack of peripherals and get upset when I bump into others or others bump into me. I feel pissed off and expect others to yield to me, but others can't know I'm visually impaired if I don't identify myself and show them some signs right?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

That’s very true. I completely understand your frustration. Vision loss is challenging at the best of times, but making the decision to transition to a mobility aid is even more daunting for most people, myself included. Only you will know when you are truly ready to start using a mobility aid, but I’m hoping you don’t have a near death experience like I did which showed you that you truly truly did need to use your cane. If you ever need a kind word of encouragement you can always stop by here. 😊

[@seanleechild]

@@UnsightlyOpinions thanks what's your name? I'm Sean. May we keep in touch and chat via email or Facebook messenger? Enjoy my violin playing.

[@seanleechild]

@@UnsightlyOpinions kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJewYqyvfd-GsNE

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

@@seanleechild I’m Tamara. You can come join my discord server if you like. Just check my latest video the up-to-date link should be in there :-)

[@seanleechild]

@@UnsightlyOpinions thanks Tamara. what is discord? is it like a community discussion group?

[@stuart2010ification]

What happens when somebody grabs you when you are crossing the road? Do you welcome this?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I absolutely do not. That is one of the worst things anyone can do. Not only is it disorienting and moves me from my line of travel but it is entirely distressing because I don’t know if someone is attacking me or trying to help.

[@user-fc9zf4er1u]

How much is subscription or is it free. I have been watching you everyday

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

To subscribe to the channel is 100% free :)

[@blindLucy]

I had an accident very recently which led to losing my left eye and severely damageg my right. I see about 5% on my right. Its been very hard for me at the moment and I am very scared to leave the house alone. I am fortunate that I still can see a little bit, but depending on others sucks.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m sure that must have been quite shocking and scary. I’m sorry to hear it hasn’t been going well. While I know that it is challenging right now, know that I can empathize deeply and things will improve. You will find your independence again, even though it feels like an uphill battle right now. You have support here any time you need it. Whisking you the very best.

[@blindLucy]

@@UnsightlyOpinions thank you so much. I am watching a lot of blind and visually impaired you tubers right now to deal with my new normal.

[@mango5887]

8

[@seanleechild]

Do only completely blind people use a white cane, or is it appropriate, necessary and effective for visually impaired people with some vision loss to use a white cane as well?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Absolutely people with a visual impairment can use a white cane. There is no rule that you need to be completely blind to use a cane. I used a cane long before I lost most of my remaining vision. If you feel a cane might help you navigate more safely or help others be aware of your vision loss to help move out of your way then I would say absolutely get a cane. You also don’t need to use it all the time if it would only help you in specific circumstances like at night or busy areas that are unfamiliar.

[@Unabomber2]

Nice concrete pavements in Ametica. I am from Holland. All crooked pavements, bicycles, garbagebags, parked cars completly blocking the pavement and sometimes even a truck. And what about electric cars? They are so silent.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm in Canada, so while there are nowhere near as many crooked cobble walkways many of our sidewalks may as well be based on how cracked they are from the cold winters! haha Yes! electric cars are a real challenge! I know some manufacturers are now putting speakers on the car for engine noise so blind folks can hear them coming better.

[@davidguymon1673]

I was always taught to keep the cane off to the side or you will do what someone I know did which was jab himself in the balls with it which was hilarious to see.

[@mango5887]

5 دقیقه است دیر کردی

[@blacksheepgirl]

You can't guaretee taht as youa re walking in the street to the next curb from the previous curb that a car will not turn in your direction. It's called Right on red in the United States. I don't know where you live. :)

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Yes we have that here too in Canada. Good point! It can be hard to remember all of the little nuances when you are trying to describe what you are doing while trying to cross safely! Haha

[@mango5887]

delay

[@mslindaogden7102]

When I use my cane for Low vision, I have macular degeneration in both eyes people don’t understand me, so They tell me it is embarrassed to be around me

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm so sorry to hear that! I'm glad you use a cane anyways! It can be hard when folks don't understand why you need to use a tool.

[@magiic9008]

How am I supposed to watch this? 😕

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m not sure what you mean. If you can’t see the video I tried to be very descriptive so if you are completely blind you can still use it for reference. If I can help. Let me know. :)

[@BearOverseer]

I'm here for the money dawg

[@special5513]

Can you use Apps like google maps to navigate? 🧭

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I use google maps all the time. :)

[@special5513]

@@UnsightlyOpinions Nice. Me too.