This is all true, but they are great for keeping by the door for running to the mail box or for a little walk. I have one and really like it for the walks in my neighborhood. I have found it cumbersome though the few times I have grabbed it to go in the car.
I also use mine as a child herding tool. It makes a nice visible barrier for my kids or dog at the streets while we wait for traffic to clear. The rigid one just seems more sturdy for this. Jennifer ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Hodges To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, September 01, 2008 7:56 AM Subject: RE: [SPAM][BlindHandyMan] Free Cane From NFB I would certainly like to have a free cane, but a one-piece cane seems to be so cumbersome. What in the world do you do with it at a sit-down restaurant, a compact car, or an airplane? _____ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Donnie Parrett Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 12:42 AM Cc: Kentucky-ACB Subject: [SPAM][BlindHandyMan] Free Cane From NFB REVIEW: Free Cane from NFB, by Carlton Griffin The National Federation of the Blind will provide a free white cane to anyone in the fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who is blind or visually impaired. See the Link below. ABOUT ME I've been a legally blind cane user for 12 years. In that time, I've purchased several canes of fiberglass & carbon fiber, folding and telescopic, with nylon pencil, metal 'chair', and roller tips, made by NFB and other providers. I ordered my cane from their website as soon as I read the offer. I merely entered my name and address, there were no requirements to fulfill. It arrived in nine days via USPS Free Matter for the Blind. This is a white Fiberglass, one piece 53 inch cane with a metal "chair" tip. It has a clear soft plastic handgrip & a black nylon strap on top. NFB's logo, name, address, phone number, website, and email address are visible through the clear plastic grip. It appears similar to the NFB Type 2 Straight Fiberglass cane. WEIGHT -This 53 inch free cane weighs about 135 grams. -My similar NFB Type 7 telescopic Carbon Fiber 53 inch cane weighs about 115 grams. -My everyday 53 inch Carbon Fiber folding cane with "marshmallow" roller tip weighs about 275 grams. MY IMPRESSIONS This is a very nice cane, and I recommend it to anyone. Its lightweight, comfortable, and very useable. It does not fold or collaspe and therefore has no joints that might wiggle. This would make an excellent first cane for anyone who is struggling to adopt cane use, as well as a great cane for any user. Fifty-three inches is the shortest length available, which is my preferred length. As always, NFB appears to be advocating a LONG white cane. If you're under six feet tall, 53 inches might seem a little long, but I believe this length is very useable for any adult. It is available in 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, and 63 inches. CONS -I have broken a fiberglass cane in the past, but it wasn't easy and I was careless. -Carbon fiber is stronger and lighter, but not free! -This cane does not fold or collaspe. -The metal 'chair' tip on this cane works great for me on all indoor surfaces such as carpet, tile, vinyl, wood, ect. I have found that, for me, this tip can be a bit difficult on outdoor surfaces such as typical concrete, asphalt, brick, and off-road. For outdoor use I find a roller tip is easier and more useable, but everyone has their own preference and that's why there are many tips and cane types to choose from. CONCLUSION I listed the cons to be accurate, but I feel this is an excellent cane. I see myself getting years of service from it, and I recommend it to anyone who might find themselves in need of a cane. As a person with progressive blindness, I know the struggle of adopting a cane for the first time. This free cane may make that easier and embracing a cane can improve your life so much. Freely share & repost this unedited review. Learn more about the free cane program and apply for one here: http://www.nfb. <http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Free_Cane_Program.asp> org/nfb/Free_Cane_Program.asp With thanks to the NFB and their supporters, Carlton Griffin ------------------------------------ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
