We believe the long white cane is a means to independence. The white cane has proved a useful tool to millions of blind people in navigating their environments with confidence and safety. It is a tool which allows blind people to travel where and when they want, and as such leads to self-sufficiency.
We believe that independence and freedom to travel are so important to the quality of life of blind people that every blind person should have a cane, regardless of ability to pay.
We are giving, free of charge to the user, rigid fiberglass canes. Please see the online application or download the paper application to view available cane sizes.
Request a free white cane!
Visit our online free white cane application form now or complete an accessible PDF application online. Completed applications should be mailed to:
Free White Cane Program
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
Any blind individual in the fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico may request a cane for their personal use. Requests may be made as often as every six months.
For adult first-time cane users, we recommend measuring from your shoulders to the floor. The cane needs to reach a good two steps in front of where you are stepping. The speed of your pace and length of your stride will make a difference. More seasoned cane travelers may wish to have a longer cane, measuring at least chin height.
For children, teens, and young adults who are first-time cane users, we recommend measuring from your chin to the floor. More seasoned cane travelers may wish to have a longer cane, measuring at least nose height.
Shortly after recipients receive a free white cane, they will be contacted by the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (NFBP) White Cane Committee. They will first receive an email welcoming them and informing the individual that they will be added to the NFBP distribution listing. In that email, the individual will find a link to the Free White Cane YouTube video which discusses basic techniques on how to use their new white cane. About four to five days after that email, they will receive a follow-up phone call. To request a Free White Cane, visit www.nfb.org/free-cane-program or dial 410-659-9314.