White Cane Project
AINC believes that every Coloradan who is blind or has low-vision should have the tools needed to live independent lives. That’s why we are providing free canes to those that qualify.
Qualifications:
- You are blind or visually impaired, or requesting this cane on behalf of someone who is blind or visually impaired.
- You live in Colorado.
- You haven’t requested a cane from AINC in at least 1 year.
Request a Free White Cane
FAQs
How to measure your cane size
Cane size typically depends on your height and how fast you are. If you tend to walk fast, measure from the ground to your nose. If you tend to walk slow, measure from the ground to your sternum. If you are in between, measure from the ground to your chin.
Where can I learn how to use a cane?
- The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offers Personal Adjustment Training. They have online how-to videos as well as in-person one-on-one training in the Denver Metro area. Learn more about DVR Personal Adjustment training.
- Ensight Skills Center offers instruction on orientation and mobility. Learn more about Ensight’s O&M training.
Can I take a white cane through security at an airport?
Yes you can! But it does have to go through the X-ray machine. You can inform a TSA officer that you will need to be reunited with your cane right away.
White Cane Donation FAQs
How many white canes are needed?
It is impossible to know since this project has never been done before. Last year Penn Streetpersonally distributed 12 canes from her personal funds. The National Federation of the Blindstates in 2016 Colorado had 107,700 residents living with blindness.
Who will order, store, and distribute the white canes?
AINC will receive the applications, order, store, and distribute the canes. If your organization is donating a cane, AINC will attach cards to the canes with information for them to reach out. We will ask the cane recipient to thank your organization, but we can not share the name of the recipient unless they give us written permission.
Who will advertise the White Cane Project?
AINC has already begun a PSA and social media campaign. We invite all clubs to spread theword in their communities.
Will all the money donated be used to purchase white canes?
The majority of the money will purchase white canes. However, if a blind person needs atalking watch, braille labeler, or other devices that cost less than $100.00 they will beconsidered.
Is there special training in using a cane?
Yes, and AINC will connect recipients to resources and services that teach Orientation andMobility (O&M) training.
Who will track and report on the donations for the White Cane Project?
Lions can make their donations out to the Colorado Lions Foundation with a note stating it is for the AINC White Cane Project. Notify Penn Street, your Vision Chair, that you have sent a check to the Foundation. The Foundation will send AINC a check for the donations. AINC is a501c3 Nonprofit Organization. AINC will track the funds received and used. These records will be shared quarterly with the State Manager, Donna to distribute to the clubs.