How to get around safely at home and in the community.
EYECAN understands that many people need time before they feel ready to use a cane.
Different types of cane are used for different purposes. EYECAN’s Rehabilitation Officer will advise on the best cane to suit your needs.
- A short symbol cane is used to raise awareness of the user’s sight loss.
- The thicker guide cane is used for lower body protection, to feel for obstacles and to identify kerbs.
- A long cane is a mobility aid and is rolled or tapped from side to side as the user walks to offer lower body protection, help them find their way and to avoid obstacles.
- A cane which features red stripes tells people that the user has both sight and hearing loss.
- Someone with mobility/balance problems might use a white walking stick.
Some other things you might want to know about mobility:
Glare shields: Helping to protect your eyes from dazzle.
Sighted guiding training: This enables sighted people to safely guide someone with sight loss.
My Sighted Guide: A free initiative launched by Guide Dogs which matches a person living with sight loss to a volunteer who will meet them for a few hours each week to provide mobility support.
Guide Dogs UK: Match Islanders (who meet the criteria) with guide dogs after assessment of needs and training has occurred. This process takes time. EYECAN are able to signpost or refer clients to this service.
