Description

ID: A bright pink long cane, with a white tip and a black elastic strap. The cane is folded out and laid flat.

This bright pink long cane belonged to Kelly Barton, from Southport. Kelly donated her cane to the museum to be featured in a display at the Museum called "Assistive Technology: What it means to Us". The display, curated as part of the Curating for Change project, explored local people's relationships with their assistive technology.

Community curation:

"My name is Kelly, when I was born my eyes were under-developed which means I have always been blind. When I was younger I was extremely resistant to using a cane as I didn’t want to ‘look’ different, but as I became an adult I realised that having a cane would be the key to my independence.

I had always heard people saying that the stereotypical image of someone blind was them wearing dark glasses and holding a white cane. I didn’t want to be thought of as a stereotype. So, when I found out that canes were available in all different colours I was absolutely delighted.

So, I got my first ‘pink cane’ and I absolutely loved it. My cane is custom made and had to be bought in from America.

I feel so comfortable using a pink cane – not only does it give me huge independence and enables me to find any obstacles that are around me, but it is also an extension of me and my personality. For me, I treat it like an accessory and not just a mobility aid. I love the fact that my pink cane is a huge conversation starter; lots of people have stopped me to ask why my cane is pink and not white.

I actually have canes in all different colours and it’s fun matching them up with my outfits. My family are well used to me asking ‘which cane will look best with this dress?’"