A note about white canes

Cane use is taught by trainers in “orientation and mobility” (O&M). Many people newly experiencing vision loss resist using a white cane. Remember that the cane is like other travel aids: it helps you to get around both independently and safely. The cane makes you more visible to others, and helps you to sense your immediate environment in more detail. Many visually impaired people say that learning to use a cane was one of the best things they did, since it gives them much more independence to get out and around.

Under Minnesota law, only blind people may carry a white cane. A blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog has the right-of-way at any intersection of a street.

To drive, or not to drive?

For older adults who are still driving, deciding whether you’re still fully able to drive safely can be a difficult process. Many emotions are involved, especially if you fear that you may lose some of your independence if you stop driving. Safety questions are first and foremost, of course. And Minnesota rules about driving and vision standards are quite clear.

In Minnesota when you apply for a driving permit or license, and when you renew your license, your eyes will be checked. You won’t have a medical eye exam; you’ll have a screening to determine whether your vision meets the minimum standards. For you to pass the vision check, your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40 in one usable eye or in both eyes together. Your peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees in one or both eyes.

If your peripheral vision is less than 105 degrees or if you fail the vision check, you’ll be asked to see an eye doctor and send the doctor’s report to the Driver and Vehicle Services Division. The Driver Evaluation Unit uses the doctor’s report to determine whether you see well enough to drive safely, or if vision correction or other restrictions are needed.

An applicant’s driver’s license will be denied or canceled when:

• The applicant has visual acuity of 20/100 or less corrected vision
• The applicant is known to be receiving assistance for the blind
• The applicant has visual field of less than 100 degrees in the horizontal diameter with either one usable eye or with both eyes
• The commissioner receives a recommendation from a licensed physician or optometrist that the applicant’s driver’s license should be canceled or denied
• The applicant fails to submit a required vision examination certificate within the requested time period.

This information comes from the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Division, Department of Public Safety. Please contact the department for further details. Remember that these rules help to ensure your safety as a driver, and the safety of your passengers and others on the road.

Exercise

Do you find it hard to get enough exercise? Maybe the sports and activities you used to enjoy are difficult to do now that reduced vision is a fact of life. There are several options to consider:

• Group sports activities designed especially for visually impaired people are available in some areas, or you can begin your own group. Examples include bowling, golf, swimming, tandem bicycling, yoga and other exercise routines.
• Individual activities can be arranged with a sighted partner, especially if you can help that person learn to make the adaptations you might need for your sport.
• Seated exercise programs (“sit and be fit”) are designed specifically for people whose mobility is restricted.
• Walking is one of the best activities for many people, young or old. Regular exercise walking can be done outdoors or indoors (at a mall, for example), alone or with others, almost any time. It’s surprisingly effective for conditioning, weight control, and general flexibility. Walking with light weights can also help achieve moderate strength building. Walking is considered a weight-bearing activity and helps to reduce bone loss due to osteoporosis.

If motivation is your biggest barrier, consider this: exercise is an effective way to fight some of the greatest health risks older people face. Diabetes, heart disease, overweight, osteoporosis, and many other health problems are greatly helped by regular exercise. Don’t let your vision loss become an excuse! Pair up with a friend and begin a regular exercise program.

Keep your sense of humor!

Most members of the general public still have a lot to learn about visually impaired people. This means that you may likely encounter many situations that are uncomfortable, confusing, or downright embarrassing. A healthy sense of humor is a tremendous asset. If you can remain willing to ask for what you need, to tell others what you want them to know about you, and to laugh at the truly funny things that may happen, you’ll put yourself and others at ease. Many people want to be helpful, but may not know just how. Helping them to know more about you is both gracious and constructive.