not a white cane

[Nalla]

I need a cane, and because I've not been declared legally blind I can't have a white cane because it's against the law.
I've been needing to occasionally go out without my dog, and I've been having to have one of my friends lead me. It'd be nice to be able to go out alone if I need to.
Any ideas where I can get a not white cane. Blue or something? But one that folds up and will be useable like a regular one?

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Spray paint a white one, perhaps?

Are you certain you don't qualify for a white cane, though? You can still be partially sighted (to various levels) and have a white cane.

 

[mechurchlady]

Nalla I am trying to find the law for your state. I know that you can have the white cane because of your vision limitations. If someone turned you in then you could easily prove that you needed the cane. I doubt any law official would cite your for using a white cane when you have a service dog. The law is to make sure people who are visually limited or blind use the cane just like the police ticket people who falsely use handicapped placard.

Also the red tipped cane is made to fold up, is light weight, and longer than a regular cane. A regular cane would not give you that feeling of a longer cane that sends back to the user information. There is a group in New Jersey and else where giving away free white canes.

http://www.nfb.org/freecane/forms.asp
Found them.

 

[pudge the fish]

Please double check on white canes and the laws- I have a friend who is not quite legally blind (almost) but is allowed use of a white cane as she has severe vision impairment - she also has a fold up one that isn't white .I will have to ask her where she got it and let you know


Hijacking thread here to say thank you Laurie for the Link

((((hugs))) and chocolate sent to you

( I don't need a cane but it had awesome info for Diabetics and sight issues)

 

[pudge the fish]

Sorry for the double post but i got a reply FAST!

She got a cane on www.walking-canes.net
it is turquoise and folding and was about 35.00

State of Florida “White Cane Law”

FL Statue # 316.1301

Traffic Regulations to assist blind persons

It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.

She is considered partially blind so she is allowed use of a white w/red tipped cane
Hope this helps

 

[mechurchlady]

Most states say what you posted Pudge but I do not know of a state that enforces that law let alone sets guide lines. Some states allow metallic canes instead of white or white with red tip. The laws do not even specify the length of the cane or anything. Some states make pedestrians stop for a white cane if I remember right.

Nalla should get one of the long ones like a walking stick that folds up. Nalla also needs to be hugged 10 times and given chocolates.

Hugs Nalla and gives her chocolates, lots of them.

Laurie

 

[ireland_nicole]

Hey Nalla; I'm still waiting for the post on the CP experience
I would think that since you have a vision impairment you would qualify under the law. I agree w/ mechurchlady about the length of the cane. I have a folding one that I use when I'm not walking well, but it is fairly bulky and not that long. The "white" canes are used for sensory purposes as opposed to physical support, and so are designed completely differently.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.

Emphasis mine.

This wording allows anybody who has a medical reason to use the white cane to use it.

 

[KAYzEyes]

I know this is quite old, and I know you Ashlee from other forums... just curious, if you're not legally blind, why do you even use Nalla as a "guide" dog to begin with? I've never quite understood that.

 

[SueM in MN]

The original poster of this thread has not been on the boards in more than 6 months, so I am going to close this thread.