What my white canes means to me
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of the National Federation of the Blind’s White Cane Awareness Day, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Terri Ford submitted this essay, written by a Clinton Junior High School student, explaining what her mobility cane means to her and how it provides her with independence in Clinton and other environments.
By ZZ (Zeritu) Wallace
My white cane means a lot to me personally and in my hometown, Clinton. To some, a white cane is just a symbol of visual impairment; but, for me, it is much more. My cane makes it safe for me to travel, gives me more independence, and helps with self-advocacy and communication skills.
My white cane makes it safe for me to travel around town. First, when I am standing at an intersection in Olde Towne, I hold out my cane to let cars coming by know to slow down and pay attention. Next, it helps me orient myself to make sure that I don’t go somewhere that will put me in danger. Using my cane, I know if I am near a curb, on the grass, or on an uneven path. If I feel grass on both sides of the pavement, I know I know I am on a sidewalk. Lastly, if I am using good cane techniques, then the white cane will prevent me from running into things or falling down. This is especially helpful when my family and I go hiking!
My white cane gives me independence by not having to ask for help as often, because I can find my way. I can let everyone do what they need to do, instead of always having someone guide me. If I go to a restaurant, like 303 Jefferson or Genna Benna, then I can use my cane to get seated and again when I need to find the counter to pay. As you can see, the white cane helps me with independence.
Not only does my cane help me navigate, but it communicates with others that I may need extra help. This helps improve my self-advocacy and communication skills. First, if I get confused somewhere that is unfamiliar to me, then I can go up to someone and ask for assistance. Second, when I am in class-change at school, it’s very loud and hard to focus on cane skills, so I ask teachers if I may leave a few minutes early, so that I won’t get distracted while traveling the halls. Finally, when I am in a store, I know how to contact customer service and ask for assistance shopping. All in all, my white cane has improved my communication and self-advocacy skills.
The white cane can have a tremendous effect on visually impaired people. I can’t imagine my life without the white cane, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. In many ways, the white cane has impacted my life, and it can do the same for other visually impaired people. If I didn’t have my white cane, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy living in Clinton as much I do. With my cane, I get to visit places with my friends, get through my school day without assistance, and eat at all my favorite Clinton restaurants.
