I got a longer cane and am very surprised by some of its advantages
I’d been recommended a sternum height cane, but I noticed it was pretty bad for my posture. I also wanted to switch to something lighter, because it really strains my wrist.
I got a slimline cane that’s a bit longer than armpit height and I have to say I’m very impressed with the difference.
My posture is better and my wrist is happier, but what I didn’t expect is that the fact that the added length let’s me walk faster, but also makes my fair intuitive and effortless, allowing me to swing in step, without a care in the world. My O&M instructor wanted me to walk slower, but that’s incredibly unnatural for me - I had to overthink each step.
I feel a lot more comfortable and confident now.
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We try on a pair of shoes before we buy them. We try on coats and jackets and pants. Why don't we get to try out canes?
I have had that chance, but that's more my state does blind services right.
Isn't there some political thing in the US where the NFB recommends longer canes than the ACB?
I don’t know, but I’ve realized there are regional differences.
Yeah, that's what I have been told, longer cane if you are faster, mine is about nose height.
I saw the post from the blind sub earlier, glad to see accessibility has at least basic functionality for you over here! Glad to hear you're doing well!
Yup, you can’t fork the other site, but if we had to fork this one to fix it, that’s always an option.
I bought myself a long cane before I was even diagnosed Found it incredibly helpful in so many ways, I love its reach and feel like I’m holding a staff when I’m not moving. What I bought was was like collarbone height, and it’s perfect for me. I move fast when I can, and the cane lets me do that.
(ETA: I had the feeling “collarbone height” was inaccurate, so I just checked and my cane is actually a little over shoulder height. I think when I was doing my original research for the cane, collarbone was what I was advised, but I added a couple of inches.)
When I finally had O&M training, my instructor looked at my cane and seemed super hesitant, saying it was pretty long for me.But by the end of the session he said it was actually perfect for me. I do have to go slower than I used to, and he told me to slow down several times, which really did help me but doesn’t come naturally to me. But at least I don’t have to stoop and mosey with a long cane. Between my limited field of vision and the long cane I can get around really well most of the time.
Hahaha. The first time I used my cane somewhere, it was like parting the sea with a staff. I think O&M instructors would really prefer us to slow down.