Free White Canes

Any Wisconsin resident who is blind or visually impaired in need of a new white cane is eligible for one free cane every 24 months. Our program does not receive any publicly funded money; all of our canes are provided through generous donations to our White Cane Program.

There are two exceptions as to our 24-month policy:

• 1) Those who are under the age of eighteen, or have not yet graduated from high school (but still under the age of 21), may be eligible to receive a free white cane, or when the student has a rapid growth spurt, making the current cane no longer an appropriate length. When this occurs, the student’s mobility instructor should send a recommendation to the Council requesting a new cane and its length.

• 2) Individuals may be eligible to receive a replacement white cane at our discretion under special circumstances, such as a defective cane or damage to the cane that is not due to the user’s error.

If you are a first-time cane user and not listed in our database, you are eligible to receive an additional backup cane within the first two years of receiving your first one at half the retail cost. Available canes include the Ambutech adjustable support cane, Ambutech folding mobility cane, and Ambutech folding ID cane. Call 1-800-783-5213 or 608-255-1166 to learn more.

You may be eligible if your vision is less than 20/70. According to Wisconsin State Statute 47.01 and the United States Code, 42 USC 1382 c(a)(2), legal blindness is defined as central visual acuity not greater than 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses or a visual field that subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.

Donations are appreciated to cover the cost and continue the program for others.

You can click here to view canes and accessories that are available on our online Sharper Vision Store for purchase. Please call to see if you qualify for a free cane.

Call 1-800-783-5213 or 608-255-1166 for more information and to request a free white cane.