Finding the Right Tool
Initially, Chris was hesitant to adopt specialized mobility aids. He describes himself as one of those “older guys that kind of was reluctant to use all the necessary tools that are out there,” believing he could keep going without extra assistance. However, after experiencing the practical difficulties of vision loss—such as missing curbs or running into obstacles—he realized that “there’s lots of aids out here that can be helpful“.
The turning point came as he and his wife began planning a retirement trip to Italy and Greece. After seeing a video demonstrating how the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 could help navigate European cities and locate restaurants with the press of a button, he was convinced. “I was sold at that point. I was like, okay, I’m ordering it,” he recalls.
Impact on Daily Life
Chris has now been using the Smart Cane 2 for about a month, and it has become a daily part of his routine. Whether walking through his neighborhood or navigating a store, the cane provides a new level of awareness and confidence.
- Visibility and Social Awareness: Chris uses the cane’s audible and visual features, including the flashing light, to help others notice his presence. “All of a sudden now they can hear it and it gives them a little bit something else to kind of look around and see what’s going on,” he explains.
- Practical Navigation: He uses the built-in microphone to ask questions and relies on the navigation features to guide him home every day.
- The “Home Run”: Summarising the device’s impact, Chris uses a classic sports analogy: “The WeWALK 2 is… a home run“.
Supporting the Veteran Community
As a proud veteran, Chris is eager to show Smart Cane 2 to others, to help increase awareness of the technology. He recognizes that many people are initially skeptical of whether such tools actually work, and he wants to provide the firsthand credibility that comes from a fellow veteran.
Looking Forward
For Chris, the Smart Cane 2 is a “dynamic tool” and a “tremendous asset” that makes navigating the modern world much more manageable. As he prepares for his travels and continues his health journey, he feels better equipped for whatever comes next.
“With all of the accessibility features that can be used today,” Chris notes, “it makes life a whole lot easier than I’m sure it was, you know, 10, 20, 30 years ago“.
