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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi You All<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pasted in below is the text from the handout of our May discussion topic. We cannot promise that our monthly meeting will always be of a type that would lend itself to share this type of information. This month, we listened to a podcast about a new all terrain cane, and also read aloud through a document which listed several different types of cane tips.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>*** Here is the handout:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>MORE ON WHITE CANES AND TIPS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Helping us to be Informed!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>*#1 The All Terrain Cane<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>*#2 Types of cane tips <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This document with its two sections, is one small piece in our on-going effort to keep all of us in the know of what is available in the area of key blindness tools. It is not an endorsement of any of the items described below, and for sure it this info is only the tip of the iceberg of the range of options relating to this important travel tool.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>*#1 All Terrain Cane (ATC)<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'>Sedona Dave is the inventor of the Awarewolf Gear All Terrain Cane. </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Website: <a href="http://awarewolfgear.com">http://awarewolfgear.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The ATC is a folding cane with a roller ball tip and extendable grip. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The ATC Specifications:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The ATC has three sections: bottom section is red and accommodates the tip; the middle section; and the adjustable handle section which can lengthen or shorten the ATC by a length of 10 inches<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Shortest length(handle fully retracted): 51" inches / 130 CM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Tallest length (handle fully extended): 61" inches / 155 cm<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cane Folded: 21" inches <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>)All measurements include roller ball tip)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Cane Weight with Roller Ball: 14.8 oz / 418 grams<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cane Construction: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Shaft: Titanium Alloy; can withstand 300 vertical pounds<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Handle: rubber golf-style grip <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Roller Ball Tip: Included; there are other commercial slip on tips available<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cost: 4 interest-free payments of $30 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>*#2 Types of Cane Tips: <o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(Here are 10 common types of tips; I am sure there are others out there!)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Have you ever wondered what the best cane tip is for an individual who is blind or low vision? The optimal tip for a long white cane depends on the environment in which it will be utilized (for example, a rough or smooth terrain), the cane technique one will utilize (for example, two-point touch or constant contact), and the individual’s preferences for the type and amount of feedback (kinesthetic and auditory feedback vary by cane tip). Peruse the following list of cane tips and learn about their characteristics, uses, and costs. Also learn about White Cane Safety Day (Blind Americans Equality Day) on October 15.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cane Tips: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Pencil Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A pencil tip is a thin and straight tip at the end of a white cane. This tip is usually used for two-point touch (tapping the ground) because it can become stuck in cracks and crevices of a sidewalk or parking lot if it was in constant contact with the ground. Pencil tips are mostly made of plastic and nylon. The cost is about $2.50. The weight of this tip is about 8 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Mushroom/Marshmallow Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The marshmallow cane tip is named for its shape which is shaped very much like a marshmallow. The marshmallow tip is made from nylon and is designed primarily for the two-point touch technique. Because the tip has more of a round end, it tends to get stuck less than a pencil tip. It costs about $2.50. This tip weighs about 17 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rolling Marshmallow Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The rolling marshmallow tip, one of the most common cane tips, is shaped like a marshmallow and can rotate 360 degrees. This tip is made of heavy-duty molded nylon and contains a bearing that allows it to roll. A rolling marshmallow tip can easily be used on different types of surfaces. This cane tip is most often used when the user is using the constant contact technique. Due to this constant touch with the ground, the person using it gets feedback about every change in the surface. A rolling marshmallow tip is not a very good choice for those who like to receive feedback from the surface by tapping their cane. The cost of this tip is about $10.00. The tip weighs about 39 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Roller Ball Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The roller ball tip is almost the largest cane tip measuring two inches in diameter, about the size of a small apple. This tip is made of nylon and has a bearing on the inside which allows it to rotate left to right. It rotates just like a marshmallow tip. It is mostly used by people who are just learning to use a cane for independent navigation or by those who walk long distances. Because it is one of the heaviest, it should only be used for constant contact techniques for navigation. Due to the size of this cane tip, it tends to get stuck the least. The cost of this tip is about $9.00. The tip weighs about 69 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Jumbo Roller Cane Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The jumbo roller cane tip is disc-shaped, resembling a semi-flattened marshmallow, with a built-in protected bearing and rounded outer edge designed to roll from left to right. The tip is made from an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material. The tip is about 2.5” in diameter. Due to its size and weight, it is typically used with the constant contact technique. It will do a pretty good job on the hard surface, as well as a pretty good job on short grass. The biggest downfall with this cane tip is the weight. The cost of this tip is about $11.50. The weight of this tip is about 71 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rover Free Wheeling Cane Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ambutech’s Rover Free Wheeling tip, a soft rubber wheel that rolls forward and backward, is designed for rough terrain. Made with Santoprene (thermoplastic rubber) and 3” in size, this tip is made to be used with the constant contact technique. This tip is generally used by individuals with a significant amount of usable vision who are looking to do some off-road hiking and walking. The goal of this tip is to detect large changes in the terrain; it does not do a very good job of detecting small changes in the surface. The cost of this tip is about $12.90. The weight of this tip is about 51 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dakota Disc Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Dakota Disc tip is designed to travel over uneven surfaces such as grass, snow, sand, and pea gravel (playground flooring). It is designed to be used for constant contact on snow, sand, grass, gravel, school yards, etc. This tip, which is made from durable plastic, can glide easily over the surface of the ground. The Dakota Disk tip has a couple of cons as well—it may miss a small obstacle such as a rock or small hole in the ground because it will glide right over the top. It is also not designed for constant use on cement, asphalt, concrete, or dirt roads. This tip is available in white or red. The cost of this tip is about $10.40. The weight of this tip is about 66 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ceramic Tip<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The ceramic cane tip is half of a sphere with a black rubber ring around the bottom of the half sphere where it connects to the hook section or slip-on section of the tip. This tip provides a lot of auditory and tactile feedback to the cane user. This tip is primarily used for two-point touch, however, it can be used for constant contact. When used for constant contact, it will get stuck more in cracks. This tip costs around $16.00, and it is one of the lighter tips, weighing in at 17 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2>Metal Glide Tip<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The metal glide tip is made from metal and is used for two-point touch technique. This tip will also provide more auditory feedback when it hits the ground. It can be used for constant contact; however, it tends to get stuck more often. The tip costs around $4.00. It weighs about 19 grams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Omni-Sense Tip:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Omni-Sense tip is made of two wheels that pivot in 360 degrees to move across a range of surfaces. The tip provides auditory feedback and provides feedback in changes of terrain. This tip will cost around $50.00.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Learn more:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="https://visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/whats-in-a-tip-a-cane-tip-that-is/">https://visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/whats-in-a-tip-a-cane-tip-that-is/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Respectfully yours,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Robert Leslie Newman</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>NFBN Senior Division, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>