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| Disability Awareness: White Canes |
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Now to a brief review of white canes a little history and a summary of sizing techniques and theories. Stephen Guerra, ila's technical specialist, and a white cane user himself, researched the following information. White canes originated in 1931 in France through the work of Peguilly d'Herbemont. Officials from both France and England felt it would be an effective method of alerting others that the person was blind and thus would help prevent injuries when the blind person crossed streets and traveled. In the U.S., White Cane Safety Day, was proclaimed as October 6, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, during 1964. Orientation and Mobility instructors throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world have generally used two different methods for measuring canes, depending on the way cane usage was taught. The standard method is to measure the cane from the mid-section (at about the sternum) of the individual who will be using the cane, down to the ground. This method of choosing a length is generally directed toward those who are not normally fast walkers, but who stick to a slow and steady pace. People using this length usually hold the handle of the cane, which is similar to the handle of a golf club, at the top. Another method of cane usage and measurement was developed by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The NFB has straight and telescopic canes that it encourages blind people to use. These canes are longer than those described above and are measured from the area between the chin and nose, down to the ground. The length of the NFB canes is considerably longer than those previously described and those who have been taught the NFB method are generally faster than usual walkers, and they prefer the added length of the cane to detect obstacles in their paths. NFB canes are normally held about a foot down from the top. Folding aluminum canes with 4 to 6 sections are the most popular canes in use today because of their durability and affordability. The newer carbon fiber and fiberglass models are preferred by many experienced cane users, despite their higher cost, because they are lightweight, very sturdy, and are superior in conveying ground structural information. Telescopic canes have the advantage of being smaller when collapsed, but some people feel they are not as sturdy as other styles. As with most aids, individuals need to know their own needs and behavioral requirements and then select the cane's length, design, composition and cost accordingly. Our July specials should be of interest to you, especially when you are traveling:
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Phone#: 614-538-0988 Email: sharethevision@columbus.rr.com
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