The length of a cane for blind people is selected so that when moving forward, a blind person can use a cane to explore the space at least two steps ahead. This allows you to react in time to the appeared obstacle. If the length is longer, a blind pedestrian will have to wield a slightly heavier cane due to its length, but most importantly, an overly long cane will interfere with other people, especially in crowded places, in the subway, on busy streets, in the premises of train stations, shops.
Is there a formula for calculating the length of a cane for blind people, taking into account height?
There is no clear formula for calculating the length of an orientation cane for blind people, but there are some recommendations for choosing the first cane. Usually its length is chosen so that the standing cane reaches the solar plexus or the armpit of a blind person. If it is difficult to pick up a cane in this way, when an orientation cane is bought for a person with whom there is no connection, he does not have the opportunity to measure the distance from the ground to the armpits, then you can subtract 50 centimeters from the person’s height. But this applies only to an adult, this formula cannot be applied to a child.
Do I need to walk with a cane of the same length all my life?
Above, we wrote about how to select the first cane for a person who has lost his sight and is forced to use a white cane for orientation in space. But each person has their own preferences, temperament and walking speed with a cane. Blind people who walk boldly and fairly quickly prefer a longer cane. If a person walks carefully and slowly, a cane of medium length will be the best choice.
Are there any orientation canes for the blind with adjustable length?
Yes, there are such canes. These are telescopic or combined canes that can be adjusted in length without fully extending the link. Such variants of canes are popular with children, when a child annually adds 3-5 centimeters in height and it is more expedient to purchase for him such a height-adjustable cane for growth.
Consultation on the selection of a cane for a blind person. Is it possible?
Of course, you can contact us and we will try to help you as much as possible with the selection of the cane design and its length.