Empowering Tools: The White Cane

The White Cane

The white cane is one of the most important tools for supporting independence and safe mobility for people who are blind or have low vision. It serves both practical and social purposes:

  • Primary mobility aid: helps detect changes in ground surfaces, steps and obstacles.
  • Components: a handle or grip, a long shaft and a tip.
  • Visual design: all-white with a red lower section indicates visual impairment; red-and-white striped canes are used by people who are deafblind.
  • Social and legal symbol: recognised worldwide as a symbol of visual impairment, ensuring others are aware and can provide respect and support.
Diagram of a white cane: folding and rigid types with grip, shaft and tip labelled
Person with a white cane crossing a street at a pedestrian crossing
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