Getting around safely 

Mobility skills

To enable you to feel confident moving around independently, we’ve created some guidance on getting around safely. These practical tips include mobility for both outdoors and indoors, such as using a long cane or protective techniques.

How a long cane could help you

Not sure if a long cane is right for you? Siobhan shares her experience of using a long cane and Guide Dogs' orientation and mobility services.

If I could sum up in three words what the long cane has enabled me to do, it would be: independence, freedom and choice.
Siobhan, long cane user

  

Is a cane right for me?

Listen to Guide Dogs in Conversation about whether a cane is right for you. Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Sophie chats to cane user Cerys and host John about the different ways a cane can improve independence.

If you're already a cane user looking for helpful tips, take a look at our advice in the pages below.

In this section...

Touch technique with your long cane

A guide to using a cane to locate different changes in the floor surface, such as steps and texture. 

Diagonal technique with your long cane

A technique when moving around indoors or when you may need some extra protection.

Using your long cane to go up and down stairs or steps

Use our checklist for existing cane users, to ensure you're using your long cane correctly going up and down stairs. 

 
Protective techniques

Techniques to help you move around safely and independently.

Trailing

A technique to help you walk safely through hallways and rooms, walk in a straight line or to learn more about what is around you. 

Travelling across open spaces

Our guidance on the best techniques for walking across open spaces safely and effectively when blind or vision-impaired. 

What type of cane do I need?

Read more about the different types of canes to understand which one could be right for you and how these can help support your mobility.

Learning the layout of a room

A technique to help you learn the new layout of a room.

Locating dropped items

Follow our techniques for locating dropped items when you're blind or have a vision impairment.

 
Systematic search patterns

A technique that can be used to help you find dropped items and become familiar with what’s near you. 

Get in touch to find out more about our services