Today, while on my daily 4-mile lunch walk, I took my new white mobility cane for the first time. It functionally made my walk easier because I didn't need to scan the ground in front of my feet the whole time, so I actually got to look around a bit and made eye contact with a few people, which was really cool. Also, it clearly signaled that I am blind to most people, which was, I think, a very positive change. Being blind seems to me to be clearly a part of what people perceive about me when I'm walking with my new white cane.

#blind #mobility #a11y #accessibility #whitecane #mobilitycane #lowvision

I'm in the market for a white mobility cane for my blindness. I just ran across Ambutech and hear graphite is lighter and nicer than aluminum.

https://ambutech.com/collections/graphite-mobility-folding-canes/products/premium-graphite-mobility-cane-standard-handle

#blind #mobility #whitecane

I wrote this some time ago and just found it again while reviewing my tags on Dreamwidth. Some of you may find it interesting. Keep in mind that this is just my personal opinion and experience. I do not represent all blind people.

Why I Don't Want a Guide Dog

https://dandylover1.dreamwidth.org/210284.html

#blindness #essay #dog #GuideDog #mobility #robot #technology #walking #WhiteCane

Stressiä ilmassa ja ulko-oven suljettuani tajusin et nyt puuttuu jotain olennaista. Valkoinen keppi jäi kotiin. 🦯

#nakovamma #WhiteCane #valkoinenkeppi

this #Ambutech distributor here in #Italy is very very slow in responding to emails. they are so kind and accomodating, i'll give them that, but the response, takes ages.

#Blind #Cane #WhiteCane #Cambratech

Mulla on ulko-oven nurkassa vara-keppi. Kokeilin huvikseni kepin kahvan tuntumaa. Edellisestä kerrasta on jo aikaa.

Kahva ei tuntunut enää hyvältä kädessä. Sen silikonipinta on alkanut lähmääntyä ja tarttua ihoon kiinni kuin huono tarra. Taitaa olla niin, että keppi joutaa roskiin. 🦯🪦

Pitää katsoa nyt mitenkä saisin uuden vara-kepin. Nykyisen kepin kahvan pinta on kuorrutettu lampaannahasta. Se on paras keppi tähän mennessä.

#valkoinenkeppi #WhiteCane #apuvalineet #nakovamma #blind #Ambutech

I have never been a lover of canes. I own an Ambutech Slimline with a glide tip (used with the constant contact technique), which I bought due to its lightness and slim design.

https://ambutech.com/products/slimline-graphite-mobility-cane-standard-handle

In the future, I may try the Glide, as it sounds very promising and helpful.

https://glidance.io/

But for now, what I really enjoy using is my amd or adaptive mobility device.

https://ambutech.com/products/rectangular-amd

From the few conversations I have had on the topic, as well as the decent amount of research I have done online, it seems that most blind people, and even mobility instructors, don't know about them. I discovered them on my own a few years ago, while looking for alternatives to canes. There are different types of amds, but mine is made by ambutech. It looks like four canes put together to form a square frame. On the bottom are wheels and on the top are three handles, one on each side, plus one in the middle. Normally, I stand in the middle, hold onto the side handles and push the amd in front of me. But when walking up or down stairs, or when holding something, I use the middle handle. The reason I prefer an amd over a cane is that there is no swinging, wrist movement, or worrying about the width of an arc or whether it will get caught in a sidewalk. I just push it forward, and it covers my whole body from the waist down. The amd can be folded, but only vertically, so it is still wide and a bit large. I do think that some improvements can be made there, and that a telescoping device with locks, similar to an umbrella or suitcase handle, would make things easier. But even as it is, it is a pleasure to use. Admittedly, I don't go out much and don't walk to places when I do, so perhaps someone else might have a different view. I have read, though, that many enjoy the drop-off detection that they offer, and I find that, while it doesn't prevent me from veering, it does help a bit.

Have any of you used an amd? If so, what was your experience? Do you feel, as I do, that it shouldn't be marketed just as a pre-cane or learning device but as a viable alternative to a traditional cane?

#accessibility #AdaptiveMobilityDevice #Ambutech #AMd #blind #blindness #cane #Glide #independence #mobility #technology #walking #WhiteCane

Robottikeppi näkövammaisille.

***

"Glide is a pioneering AI-powered mobility aid designed to help people who are blind or have low vision navigate with confidence, comfort, and ease.

Our Sensible Wayfinding technology autonomously guides, avoids obstacles, stays on a safe path, and helps you get to your destination."

https://glidance.io/

#blind #sokea #apuvalineet #esteettomyys #accessibility #WhiteCane #GuideDog #AI