Retinitis Pigmentosa Support Group

Wondering if anyone has used a cane for mobility without formal classes first? I can get around on my own (no driving as you know) but in crowds I bump into people. Thinking the cane might warn people. THOUGHTS?

We have had a few discussions about cane training, but I don't think that we discussed using a cane without training. I would be interested to hear if anyone has done this.

I have often thought of using a cane, but have been worried about my family and others opinions.

I was automatically given a cane when I was diagnosed without any formal training. I played with it at the house, but never had the nerve to be seen outside with it. I waited over 20 years to finally get the training and it's taught me a lot. On the other hand you would be surprised at just how much instinct plays a role. I don't think that it would be unheard of to use it without training but the tips they teach I have to admit are really useful. The identification cane sounds to me like more of what you are looking for. Much smaller but just having it identifies that you are visually impaired. I love mine. Let me know if you have any questions.

I have an ID cane(which folds)that I was given by my voc. rehab instructor. I haven't had training. I am like you...I just want it to alert others that I am not bumping into them on purpose. I carry my cane with me but it usually stays in my purse. I have never used it in public. I used to work at the store I shop at the most so I have somewhat of an advantage knowing the basic layout....that's also probably what's kept me from using the cane there. Not really sure I want them to know. Besides..the shopping cart works great as a battering ram(joking)

Don't laugh (ok you can laugh) just today, about an hour ago I was in my local grocery store pushing a full cart down the asle and I missed a woman that was knelt down getting something. WHAM over she went.Luckily I wasnt moving all that fast. I made sure she was OK and appologized a few times. I am thinking I need a Tshirt that says "keep back 10ft Visual Impaired lol Do they list ID canes differently on web sites?

I don't know why I feel so strange using a cane or a wheelchair. Crutches, I was fine with.

Andy, I was walking through the store one day and tripped over someone who was knelt down. I apologized and quickly walked away. I didn't even give her a chace to comment, I was so embarassed.

Andy I would recommend that you do take mobility training as Beth said you will pick up some valuable tips that will come in handy. You may not always use your cane so you can join the closet caner club but when you do use it, it is very valuable.

As far as the ID cane I have never had one but I believe that they are much lighter than a mobility cane and will bend easily if you try to use it for mobility.

See you or not,

The identification cane is listed as that in the websites. Usually around $15-20.00. It's the circumfrence of a pencil and folds up just like a regular cane. It is very light weight and is used ONLY for identification purposes. It's not sturdy enough to really be used as a guide, but it is invaluable to have when you just want to send a little message to people that you are visually impaired. I keep mine in the car for when I want to just run in somewhere alone to avoid embarrassing situations. I have also used it in a pinch to help me find the curb when coming out of a building and being blinded by the sun. I LOVE MINE. I keep it more handy than the actual red tip cane.

I bought an identity cane about a month ago in case I ever travel through an airport or go downtown again. I haven't used it yet (in my closet lol), but I must say I am happy to have it "just in case".

I bought it from Amazon for under $25 shipped.

Hi there, I have made the leap out of the closet to using the mobility cane, and to answer your question about training, I had only about 2 sessions of training. However, my instructor said you do develop your own style - they teach you a few things that are handy, but she didn't go nuts because I have 20 degrees of vision left. I think it's a different experience training someone without light perception versus someone like me. I figure that when my vision gets even more limited, I may go again to pick up more tips from her, because right now I still use my residual sight for stuff that the totally blind might use a cane for...Also I just want to add that I think all these rehab places have hyped up the training aspect of the cane somewhat, striking some fear in us and making us think we have to have all these complicated techniques and skills in order to use it. Not true. It is a stick - that's it. It doesn't have to be complicated.