Dr. Sean Tikkun, a teacher at North Carolina Central University, with over 20 years of experience as an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialist and a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, he is helping shape the future of independent travel through WeWALK.

For many in the visually impaired community, finding the right balance between traditional mobility and modern technology is a journey of its own. Recently, we had the pleasure of having an interview with David Carrington-Porter, a 74-year-old retiree from the United Kingdom, to discuss how the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 has integrated into his daily life.

The white cane—simple in design yet profound in impact—is far more than just a mobility tool; it’s a symbol of independence and confidence. While its physical form has remained largely unchanged for decades, its impact on people is unquestionable. But how did this humble stick become such a powerful emblem of freedom? Let’s take a deeper stroll through its history!

My name is Selinay Erkul. I am currently a second-year student in the Tourism Management Department at Dokuz Eylül University. My journey toward independence began with YGA (Young Guru Academy). Kürşat Ceylan, whom I met there, was an incredibly inspiring role model for me. After participating in YGA programs, my self-confidence increased and the number of role models who convinced me that I could be independent grew. That was also when I started using a white cane.

You may already know the classical features of WeWALK Smart Cane 2, but our users go beyond simply using the features of the WeWALK Smart Cane 2—they reimagine them. By creatively adapting technology to meet their unique daily needs, users go beyond intended use cases. This creativity is a constant source of inspiration for our team. We are thrilled to see the new perspectives our users show us and the practical new ways they make it work better for them.

Here are a few real-life examples that show how differently WeWALK Smart Cane 2 is being used.

At the beginning of this year, we launched WeWALK Smart Cane 2 — and 2025 quickly became one of the most exciting chapters in WeWALK’s journey, making this year filled with growth, learning, and thousands of independent steps taken around the world.

I am Yusuf Çelik. I live in Malatya, Turkiye but I’m originally from Hınıs, Erzurum. I study Turkish Music at the State Conservatory and also study Theology at Anadolu University. My life is full of work, music, and movement. I play in wedding halls in the evenings, I’m interested in sports, and I’m preparing for the EKPSS exam. In short, I am constantly involved in life.

My journey to independent movement began in my middle and high school years with a white cane. Later, I was introduced to the WeWALK Smart Cane 1, and it really gave me a confidence boost. But when I switched to the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, I said, “Okay, this is my cane now.”

We are excited to share the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 experience of our users, Ditte and René from Denmark. During our conversation, they talked openly about how the new WeWALK Smart Cane 2 fits into their daily routines and how it compares to their previous WeWALK Smart Cane.

We spoke with Prof. Dr. Banu Altunay, Turkey’s first orientation and mobility specialist, about the critical role that technology—and especially WeWALK—plays in developing the independent mobility skills of people with visual impairments.

With her pioneering work shaping the field of orientation and mobility training in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Altunay shared her expert perspective on the role of independent mobility in people’s lives, the challenges faced by instructors, and the value that WeWALK brings to these processes.

The WeWALK Smart Cane 2 isn’t just another assistive tool; it represents a meaningful step toward greater independence for our users. As Karel, one of our users from the Czech Republic, perfectly put it, it’s designed with real input from people who know exactly what they need—to help every user feel safer and more confident wherever they go. After personally experiencing the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, Karel shared a detailed and insightful review with us. You can find his full thoughts and experiences below.