A Lifetime of Experience
David is no stranger to the world of visual impairment and mobility. Having been totally blind since the age of seven, he spent his career as an education consultant for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Trained in long cane mobility since his early teens, David has seen technology evolve first-hand.
He first encountered WeWALK at a Sight Village exhibition in Birmingham. While he was initially impressed by the concept, he found the first version a bit heavy for his needs. However, when Smart Cane 2 was released, the improvements in design caught his attention.
“I thought, oh, this is a lot better.” David shared, noting the significant reduction in weight and the refined technology.
Faster and Safer Steps
Since having the Smart Cane 2 about a year ago, David has noticed several key improvements in his mobility. One of the most practical benefits is the physical design itself; David finds the Smart Cane 2 is providing him with better advanced warning of down-curbs and obstacles. This added security has even allowed him to walk faster than before.
“I think I can walk faster with it. So that’s been an improvement.”
Beyond the physical cane, the integrated software has been a game-changer for his independence. David particularly values the ability to plan and review entire journeys before leaving the house. The app guides him from his front door to the bus stop and provides essential details on where to disembark, making complex routes much more manageable. He mentions that:
“I can plan a journey from my home to wherever I’m going and it’ll tell me the whole, how to walk to the bus stop, where to get off the bus and so on.”
David’s experience reminds us that technology is a partnership. He gives Smart Cane 2 a strong recommendation, calling it a “great invention” and a “great design”.
“It’s a good piece of technology,” David concluded. We are honoured to support David on his travels around and beyond, and we look forward to continuing our work to make the world more accessible.
