‘White Stick’ Variations – Being Aware of Impairments

We might already be aware that if we see a person holding or walking carrying a long, white stick that it indicates the person has visibility problems, but did you know there are variations and different colours.

• Green stick – Person with visual impairment: Poor vision.
• White stick – Person with visual disability: Blindness.
• Red and white striped stick: Deaf and blind person.

Caution should always be exercised near pedestrians, but those using these sticks, or assistance animals, should be afforded even greater care. The sticks and dogs are used to assist them in navigating their way around their otherwise restrictive world, but they also serve as an indication to others of their particular impairment.