ICEVI West Asia

1.1 Use of a Mobility Cane

• Use a mobility device, preferably a Smart cane, such as the Torchit (i.e., sensor based handheld object detection mobility device)
• Use a mask and gloves and change the same as per need;
• Always use goggles or other protective eyewear;
• Wash your hands with quality soap or use sanitizer to sanitise hand before leaving and returning to your place;
• Keep a small bottle of sanitizer with you; and
• Regularly sanitise both your hands and long cane.

1.2 ICEVI Mobility Technique during the COVID-19 pandemic or other emergencies

Based on the feedback of respondents, ICEVI West Asia has developed a cane technique named the “ICEVI Mobility Technique”. A video of the Mobility Technique is available on YouTube – go to https://youtu.be/gmVd6LErp5M

We recommend that the blind person follows the following steps while using this technique:

Step 1: Ask for help from a sighted person who will be your Guide

Step 2: Take out Sanitizer bottle and sanitize the hands of the Guide and yourself by pouring sanitizer first on your palms and then on the palms of your Guide

Step 3: If you use a folding cane, unfold it by yourself

Step 4: Take a tissue paper or clean cloth and wipe the tip of your cane by yourself

Step 5: Take out your packet of 8 centimetre rubber bands and ask the Guide to take out one rubber band from the packet

Step 6: Show the Guide the picture of the knot (picture shown below) that is to be tied on the lower tip of cane – it is best to have the picture on the rubber band packet

Step 7: Request the Guide to tie the knot using the rubber band on the lower tip of your cane, forming a loop for the Guide to hold

Step 8: Ask the Guide to hold the loop of the rubber band in his/her right hand and then move forward; you will follow the Guide holding the hand grip of the cane (resulting in the cane being held vertically between you and the Guide)

Step 9: When you reach your destination, ask the Guide to dispose of the rubber band; thank the Guide, and continue along your journey using your cane.

Picture of 8 centimeter rubber band and the knot used to attach the rubber band to the cane with a loop for the Guide’s to hold.