Honestly, I don't think there's any legislation addressing who can or can't use a white cane. The issue seems to me to be whether cost of training could be provided. Interesting question, though. In addition to the obvious i.e. as a mobility tool, the cane can identify a person as having low vision or blind, but, amazingly enough, there are still people out there who have no idea. I've never heard of a cane or tried to shop for one that would identify specific vision accuity. You might check with white cane providers to see if they are asked for such information.
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Pat Wilson via groups.io" <patncavi@...>
Date: Monday, January 06, 2025 12:16 PM
To:
[email protected]Subject: [OandM] Who is legally allowed to use a white cane?
Hi Everyone,
I am being asked to provide a white cane and training to someone who is not
legally blind but does struggle with functional blindness in bright
lighting. Is it legal for someone who is not legally blind to use a white
cane?
Also, I was recently told that there are different cane markings for the
level of vision loss?! I saw the specifics on an agency f/t VI's website
but haven't seen it anywhere else. It included low vision as well as
legally blind and totally blind. I don't believe it's specified in NY DMV,
but I haven't checked yet. Can anyone tell me if this is new and/or true?
Thank you.
--
*Pat Wilson, COMS, VRT*
*Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist*
*Vision Rehabilitation Therapist*
*She/Her/Hers*
*North Country Center for Independence Vision Services*
*80 Sharron Avenue, **Plattsburgh, NY 12903*
*phone: 518-562-2330*
*fax: 518-562-2331*
*email: pat@... <patncavi@...>*
*website: * . <>
