There are many different types of canes and cane tips to help an individual meet their travel needs and provide the most accurate feedback about what their cane tip is contacting. You can discuss the differences and potential benefits with your child’s orientation and mobility instructor.
Most canes have 3 main parts – the grip (They may come with or without a flat side for the positioning of the finger), the shaft, and the tip. Some shafts are covered in white and red reflective tape to help identify someone as having a visual impairment as well as to be seen more readily.
Canes will become dirty and it will be the individual’s responsibility to take care of their cane. As a parent, you can help your child wipe down their cane with a disinfectant and clean the hairs or debris that may become caught in the tip. If the reflective tape gets real ragged talk to your O&M instructor and they can replace the reflective tape.
Have a specific place in your home to store your child’s cane so they know where to store and retrieve it when coming and going from your home. This can be against a wall or in a container. In the home, a cane is not usually used since it is a familiar area and hand trailing is usually sufficient. When out in public locations, find some place out of the way (such as placing it on the floor under a chair or table, standing in a corner, or leaning against a wall) to store the cane. In a vehicle it can be laid at the feet of your child.
Your child will usually start with a long rigid cane and later when they are a more seasoned traveler may prefer a folding cane. When unfolding a cane, take care to unfold each section in front of you starting from the tip and working up to the grip. Some kids have unhooked the elastic section and let it “fly” and this can be a danger to themselves, to others, and to objects around them. When they are folding the cane, it should be done directly in front of the individual keeping it vertical to the floor as each section is collapsed and then secured with the elastic cord.
Have fun exploring the world with your child!