The Different Types of Canes
There are two types of canes that are most commonly used:
The Support Cane
The support cane provides physical stability. A support cane that is white can identify you as a person who is blind or has low vision.
A Support Cane Should:
Be strong enough to support your weight. This usually means that a support cane is not lightweight.
Be short enough to rest your hand on top while you hold it close to your body.
Have a tip that grips the floor and does not slide.
The Probing Cane
The probing cane (more commonly called a "white cane" or a "long cane") probes for and locates obstacles in your path of travel.
A Probing Cane Should:
Be lightweight so that you can hold and move it in front of you without becoming tired. This usually means that a probing cane is not strong.
Be long enough to reach ahead and warn you about obstacles and stairs.
Have a tip that can slide easily along the ground.
If you need a cane to help you know what is on the ground in front of you, it is recommended that you use a probing cane.
A support cane and a probing cane are designed differently and serve very different purposes, so the choice of which cane to use will depend on your needs.
Safety note: If you use a support cane to probe the ground ahead of you, it is usually not possible to reach far enough ahead without leaning forward. This is harmful for your posture and appearance and is also risky and dangerous, particularly when approaching descending stairs. If you miss your footing or lose your balance while you are leaning forward, you are likely to fall forward and tumble down the stairs.
Most Common Cane Tips
Pencil tip. Pros: Good feedback and lightness make it a good choice for people who have problems moving the wrist for long periods of time. Cons: The long, thin tip has a tendency to get stuck in cracks in the sidewalk.
Roller tip. Pros: Rolls over cracks in the sidewalk, making for a smoother walk. Cons: Greater weight can add to wrist fatigue; doesn't provide as much feedback to the traveler about small changes in the terrain.
Marshmallow tip. Pros: The thick tip won't get stuck in cracks easily. Cons: The tip is heavy and can cause wrist fatigue over time.
Cane tips have been developed for travel in wilderness areas and farms, such as the "Bundu Basher." For more information about the Bundu Basher cane tip, including photographs, explanations, and ordering information, see Bundu Basher.
Long white canes come in two categories: ones that fold and ones that don't. Folding canes, which can be collapsed and stored easily, come in aluminum or graphite models. Graphite canes are lighter and easier to fold and unfold than aluminum ones. While great for travel, folding canes tend to be less sturdy when compared to straight (non-folding) canes and don't provide the same amount of sensory feedback.
A popular straight style cane is made of fiberglass, which is ultra-light, provides lots of sensory feedback, and bends slightly if it slides under a car or similar obstacle.
Can I use a cane if I also use a wheelchair?
It is possible for you to use a wheelchair and learn how to use a long cane to help navigate obstacles and drop-offs. However, success depends on individual circumstances, such as your type and level of vision loss, overall physical limitations, and chair style. Consult your O&M specialist about whether using a long cane with a wheelchair is right for you.
Alternative mobility devices (AMDs)
Alternative mobility devices have been developed that provide full protection for people who are either unable to use the cane reliably or move it correctly, either because of physical limitations (including difficulty or pain when moving the wrist) or cognitive disabilities. For more information, see Alternative Mobility Device.