White Cane
A mobility tool and symbol for people who are blind or have low vision
Overview
The white cane is a mobility aid that lets people who are blind or have low vision detect obstacles, steps, curbs, and changes in surface, and it also signals visual impairment to others. Long canes are used with techniques taught by orientation and mobility specialists, while shorter identification and support canes serve other purposes. The white cane gained widespread recognition in the twentieth century, with Richard Hoover developing long cane techniques for veterans after the Second World War. Many jurisdictions have white cane laws, and White Cane Safety Day is observed on 15 October in the United States.
Related Topics
Low Vision Services
Low vision services, or vision rehabilitation, aim to help people whose vision loss cannot be fully corrected by glasses, contact ...
Gene Therapy for Vision
Gene therapy for vision aims to treat inherited eye diseases by delivering functional genes or editing faulty ones in retinal cell...
Bionic Eye
A bionic eye, or visual prosthesis, is an implanted device that attempts to restore a degree of vision by electrically stimulating...
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are assistance dogs trained to lead people who are blind or have low vision around obstacles and hazards. The dog works...