Mobility Aids and Orientation
Welcome to the Mobility Aids and Orientation Page, where you can find various products and services to improve mobility for people with Visual Impairments, such as White Canes, Smart Glasses, GPS Devices, as well as companies that provide Mobility and Orientation Training.
These ”Mobility Aids” assist persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired, so that they can be more mobile and independent. They range in price and include both “low tech” inexpensive devices such as White Canes, as well as more expensive “high tech” equipment, such as Smart Glasses.
The Mobility Aids listed on this page do not only include equipment, but also Accessible Features, such as Tactile Paving. Orientation Techniques can also be taught and used by persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired, so that they can be more mobile.
These Orientation Techniques and the use of White Canes or Guide Dogs + Accessible Features which the Government has introduced, can help persons who are Blind, to be able to travel around & navigate successfully from point A to point B.
Please read the article below OR click on the shortcut links provided on the right to find out more.
What Are You Looking For?
Companies and Organisations That Can Assist
Mobility Aids and Orientation
1. Mobility Aids
a. Guide Dogs and Accessories
b. White Canes: Types of White Canes
– White Canes Available in South Africa
c. GPS Devices
2. Orientation Techniques
a. Companies & Organistions That Provide Orientation Training
3. Accessible Features
a. Tactile Paving
View the information below to find further information on the products available and the companies that provide them.
Companies and Organisations That Can Assist
There are various Organisations and Companies in South Africa such as Blind SA, Sensory Solutions and Edit Microsystems, which sell or offer a wide variety of these Services and Mobility Aids.
Some of these Organisations & Companies can also advise you on what equipment would best suit your needs and how to use the equipment that they supply.
Edit Microsystems (Pty) Ltd is an award-winning company that is devoted to finding alternative and state-of-the-art technical solutions to improve curriculum delivery in educational institutions and effective communication in business with a focus on high-speed functional connectivity and on-going support.
They have a proud tradition of innovation and are on the cutting edge of technological advances in education. Many of their products are designed to enhance interactivity in a classroom or lecture theatre. Edit Microsystems are also a leader in finding and providing specially adapted hardware and software for Learners with Special Educational Needs throughout South Africa.
Contact: 086 111 3973
Head Office: 13 Boy De Goede Circle, Table View, Cape Town, 7441.
They also have branches in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng.
Website at: www.editmicro.co.za
Email them at: info@editmicro.co.za
Blind SA is a national disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) of the blind and for the blind. Established in 1946 as the South African Blind Workers Organisation (SABWO) and became Blind SA in 2004. Head office is situated at 5 Fuchs Street, Alrode, Alberton, however our services are rendered to blind and visually impaired in all provinces in South Africa.
The vision of Blind SA is to do whatever is necessary or conducive to empower visually impaired people to become economically self-supporting and to live a full and meaningful life as citizens of South Africa.
The biggest challenges faced in our communities are the shortage of financial resources to enable our blind and visually impaired beneficiaries to reach their full potential as independent members of society.
The impact that Blind SA has had on the community is a more informed, empowered and enabled blind and visually impaired community. Because we have so many such people who are in serious need of our assistance, we would welcome the opportunity and resources to be able to reach more people with the view of creating a self-supporting, independent and informed blind and visually impaired community throughout South Africa.
“Our Purpose is to end the cycle of poverty for Blind South Africans, empowering them with knowledge and information through education, braille and developmental services and to break down barriers, provide opportunities and create answers that improve the quality of life for the blind community so that they can live the life they choose.”
Blind SA also stock and sell a variety of Assistive Devices to assist persons who are Blind, these include the Mali-Bhala, Tatrapoint Mechanical Brailler and Braille-Me. For any other requirements, contact Blind SA on: Tel: +27 11 839 1793/4 or Email: ceo@blindsa.org.za, Jennine Pare – sales@blindsa.org.za, or visit us at: Address: 5 Fuchs Street, Alrode, Gauteng, South Africa. Website: www.blindsa.org.za.
Sensory Solutions: Sensory Solutions is a South African company with considerable experience in the field of accommodating persons who are visually impaired, blind or partially sighted. We specialise in the field of providing Access Technology solutions for individuals, schools, universities, government departments and more, in order to make the environment more accessible for the visually impaired.
Sensory Solutions is at the forefront of the world’s leading Access Technology products and are in some cases the exclusive distributors. Sensory Solutions is a responsible employer which employs people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds as well as those who are disabled. Part of our mission is to advise individuals and institutions on the best solutions available for particular environments, to design such solutions and finally to implement them on site. As such, we are approved African distributors for a wide range of Access Technology products selected specifically for their suitability to the African environment and our specific situation.
We are proud to be appointed exclusive and preferred dealerships for some of the world’s most leading Access Technology manufacturers. Our mission and ethos revolve around our fellow man, empowering them and making the playing fields level as far as we can make a difference.
Whether you are an individual, institution or company in need of information regarding Access Technology, we are ready to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at our Head Office on +27 12 664 7704 or at 226 Kruger Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, 0157. Email: info@sensorysolutions.co.za, khan@sensorysolutions.co.za or visit our website at: www.sensorysolutions.co.za.
Smart Service Dog is a Dog training facility in Durban and Johannesburg that specialises in Puppy and Home Obedience Training. In 2016 Smart Service Dog became an independent training school and started focusing not only on Puppy and Home Obedience Training but, very importantly training The Handler, Owner and Dog Trainers as well.
Training offered by Smart Service Dog includes: Puppy School; Home Obedience; Fun Agility (Canine Hooper’s World Accredited); Scent Work (TDS accredited); Animal Behaviour Training; CD Companion Dog-Working Trials; Canine Good Citizen Testing; Protection work and Rally Obedience Classes.
Smart Service Dog offers training across five specialist fields including: Autism Assistance; Psychiatric Service Dogs; Seizure Alert Dogs; Hearing Assistance and Mobility Assistance.
Please read the information below to learn more about the training that Smart Service Dog provides.
Should you have any queries please feel free to contact Smart Service Dog via either the contact form on the website: www.smartservicedog.co.za, or contact Grant Smith on grant@smartservicedog.co.za | 081 270 4672.
Mobility Aids and Orientation
The Mobility Aids and Orientation Techniques that can be learned from the companies listed below plus the Accessible Features which the Government has introduced, can help persons who are Blind, to be able to travel around & navigate successfully from point A to point B.
Some persons who are Blind use a wide range of these Mobility Aids, while others only require one or two of them to be able to travel independently. Please read the information below to find out more about these options for people with visual impairments.
1. Mobility Aids
Mobility aids are designed to enhance safe, independent movement and confident navigation in everyday environments, both indoors and outdoors. From white canes and long canes to electronic travel aids and guide dogs, mobility aids help detect obstacles, identify pathways, and improve orientation. Together, they promote independence, dignity, and full participation in community life.
Click Here to Find out more about Mobility Aids.
2. Orientation Techniques
Orientation techniques teach people with visual impairments how to understand and mentally map their surroundings using sensory information such as sound, touch, movement, and spatial awareness.
These skills help individuals identify landmarks, judge distances, and maintain direction, enabling safer and more confident navigation in both familiar and unfamiliar environments.
Click Here to Find out more about Orientation Techniques.
3. Accessible Features
In South Africa, a range of accessible features has been introduced to help people with visual impairments navigate public spaces more safely and independently. These features focus on providing clear sensory cues such as tactile and audible information—that support orientation, wayfinding, and safe movement in everyday environments such as streets, transport hubs, public buildings, and shopping areas.
Click Here Find out more about Accessible Features.
1. Mobility Aids
Some blind people are skilled at echolocating silent objects simply by producing mouth clicks and listening to the returning echoes. It has been shown that blind echolocation experts use what is normally the “visual” part of their brain to process the echoes.
GPS devices can also be used as a Mobility Aids. These Devices can assist persons who are Blind to navigate themselves, they are not however a replacement for traditional mobility tools such as White Canes and Guide Dogs. GPS devices are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems and are sold in South Africa. They include products such as:
a. Guide Dogs and Accessories
A Guide Dog is a Service Animal used by persons who are Blind or have a Visual Impairment. Service animals are defined as animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities. They are working animals and not pets, so the work or tasks that the animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.
Guide Dogs and training is available from various companies and organisations in South Africa and are exempt from regulations which apply to animals in places such as restaurants, public transportation and aeroplanes.
Click Here to find out more about the Guide Dogs and the Organisations that train and provide these and other Assistance Dogs.
b. White Canes: Types of White Canes
A White Cane, sometimes known as Mobility Canes, is a thin white stick used as a Mobility Aid by Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired, they are used to improve their mobility and to scan their surroundings for obstacles or orientation marks.
Mobility Canes are often made from aluminium, graphite-reinforced plastic or other fibre-reinforced plastic and can come with a wide variety of tips depending upon user preference.
Techniques for cane travel can vary depending on the user and/or the situation. A White Cane also help for other traffic and in identifying the user as Blind or Visually Impaired. The White Cane with a red tip is the international symbol of blindness and the Cane’s prominent white colour helps to identify it and is mandatory in many jurisdictions.
There are however a variety of different types of Canes that can be used by Persons with Visual Impairments, the choice depends on the individual’s vision, motivation, and a variety of other factors. They include:
This Cane is used to extend the user’s range of touch sensation. It is usually swung in a low sweeping motion, across the intended path of travel, to detect obstacles. This is the traditional white cane and can also be known as a “Hoover Cane”. The Cane length depends upon the height of a user and traditionally extends from the floor to the user’s sternum. Visit our section below to find White Canes available in South Africa
Is a shorter Cane and generally extends from the floor to the user’s waist. It has a more limited mobility function and is used to scan for kerbs and steps. The guide cane can also be used diagonally across the body for protection, warning the user of obstacles immediately ahead. Visit our section below to find White Canes available in South Africa
The ID cane is used primarily to alert others as to the bearer’s Visual Impairment. It is often lighter and shorter than the long cane and has no use as a mobility tool. Visit our section below to find White Canes Available in South Africa
The White Support Cane is designed primarily to offer physical stability to a person who is Visually Impaired, but the colour of the cane also works as a means of identification. This tool has very limited potential as a mobility device. Visit our section below to find out more about White Canes Available in South Africa
a. White Canes Available in South Africa
There are various types of White Canes available to purchase in South Africa, which are available through organizations and companies such as Edit Microsystems and Sensory Solutions. They include, but are not limited to the following products.
The Awarewolf Gear All Terrain Cane with Red Roller Ball Tip has a 16” grip handle is designed and built for both golf and ski pole grips, with room to choke up/down when climbing. The high-performance roller ball tip connects you to all terrains and surfaces.
Whether you’re taking a stroll down the block, at the beach, on snowy sidewalks, your grandchild’s playground, or on the trails, the ATC gives you the power to explore where other mobility canes wouldn’t dream to go.
Originally designed for the back country trails of Sedona, Arizona, the All-Terrain Cane (ATC) excels everywhere life takes you.
High-strength design and innovation with lightweight super-strong titanium alloy, the ATC supports you as you walk or hike, giving you the support and stability of a reinforced mobility cane: terrain, obstacles, navigation and more… The 16” grip handle is designed and built for both golf and ski pole grips, with room to choke up/down when climbing. The high-performance roller ball tip connects you to all terrains and surfaces. The ATC features traditional white and red reflective materials as users are accustomed to.
Please feel free to contact Edit Microsystems to find out more, or to receive a quote.
The Ambutech aluminium mobility cane with hook on marshmallow tip (pictured right) is made from heavy-gauge aluminium and new conical joint design, the canes fold and unfold with ease.
This cane has 5 folding sections an is available in the following sizes:
White cane 36” = Person length 133 to 136cm
White cane 38” = Person length 137 to 142cm
White cane 40” = Person length 143 to 146cm
White cane 42” = Person length 147 to 152cm
White cane 44” = Person length 153 to 156cm
White cane 46” = Person length 157 to 162cm
White cane 48” = Person length 163 to 166cm
White cane 50” = Person length 167 to 172cm
White cane 52″ = Person length 173 to 176cm
White cane 54” = Person length 177 to 182cm
White cane 56” = Person length 183 to 186cm
White cane 58” = Person length 187 to 192cm.
Please feel free to contact Sensory Solutions to find out more, or to receive a quote.
The Ambutech Mobility Cane for children is a foldable Ambutech aluminium mobility cane with hook on marshmallow tip. Made from heavy-gauge aluminium and new conical joint design, the canes fold and unfold with ease.
This cane has 3 or 4 folding sections and is available in the following sizes:
White cane 30” = Person length 117 to 122cm
White cane 32” = Person length 123 to 126cm
White cane 34” = Person length 127 to 132cm
Please feel free to contact Sensory Solutions to find out more, or to receive a quote.
There are various Organisations and Companies in South Africa such as Blind SA, Sensory Solutions and Edit Microsystems, which sell White Canes and other Mobility Aids and can also advise you on what equipment would best suit your needs and how to use the equipment that they supply. Please contact them to find out more.
a. GPS Devices
Some blind people are skilled at echolocating silent objects simply by producing mouth clicks and listening to the returning echoes. It has been shown that blind echolocation experts use what is normally the “visual” part of their brain to process the echoes.
GPS devices can also be used as a Mobility Aids. These Devices can assist persons who are Blind to navigate themselves, they are not however a replacement for traditional mobility tools such as White Canes and Guide Dogs. GPS devices are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems and are sold in South Africa. They include products such as:
AI-powered GPS / OCR assistant Elevating autonomy for exploration, orientation and mobility. The StellarTrek is an AI-driven GPS and OCR device which empowers individuals with visual impairments by providing unparalleled assistance in daily navigation. Tailored to meet the needs of the visually impaired, this cutting-edge device combines state-of-the-art GPS functionalities with an intuitive tactile interface, ensuring seamless guidance through voice prompts.
This innovative device is equipped with a built-in camera and advanced AI capabilities, enabling it to identify street addresses, entrances, and landmarks, delivering precise audio guidance for the final 40 feet of your journey. The newly introduced pedestrian crossing detection mode with anti-veering technology will help you safely find the proper place to cross and give you directions if you are veering off course.
Moreover, its versatility extends to barcode scanning for product details, color recognition, and text-to-speech functionality—reading street signs, ingredient lists, receipts, or nutritional information aloud. The StellarTrek is a comprehensive solution designed to enhance independence and foster autonomy!
Please feel free to contact Edit Microsystems to find out more, or to receive a quote.
The Sunu band (pictured right) is a Mobility Aid for persons with Visually Impairments. It combines a sonar or echolocation sensor with a high-resolution vibrating actuator to gently inform the user about objects or obstacles up to 5 meters away.
Sunu band augments awareness of the user’s personal space and reduces accidents, ultimately providing a more confident and enjoyable mobility experience. Sunu band Apps allow you to access certain features or perform specific functions. Application on the Sunu band are managed from the Sunu mobile app for iOS and Android (coming soon). Sunu band come with three apps, which include the “Haptic Watch” which access from within the home; the “Vibratory Alarms”, which is managed from within the mobile app and the “Obstacle Detection”.
Please feel free to contact Edit Microsytems to find out more, or to receive a quote.
There are various Organisations and Companies in South Africa such as Sensory Solutions and Edit Microsystems, which sell GPS Devices and other Mobility Aids and can also advise you on what equipment would best suit your needs and how to use the equipment that they supply. Please contact them to find out more.
2. Orientation Techniques
Many persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments can travel independently, using a wide range of the Mobility Aids listed above, as well as Accessible Features and various techniques which can be learned. These are known as Orientation Techniques and are taught by Orientation and Mobility Specialists, which are professionals who are specifically trained to teach persons with Visual Impairments how to travel safely, confidently, and independently in their home and the community.
These professionals can also help blind people to practice travelling on specific routes which they may use often, such as the route from one’s home to a convenience store. Becoming familiar with an environment or route can make it much easier for a blind person to navigate successfully.
a. Companies and Organistions That Provide Orientation Training
Some blind people are skilled at echolocating silent objects simply by producing mouth clicks and listening to the returning echoes. It has been shown that blind echolocation experts use what is normally the “visual” part of their brain to process the echoes.
GPS devices can also be used as a Mobility Aids. These Devices can assist persons who are Blind to navigate themselves, they are not however a replacement for traditional mobility tools such as White Canes and Guide Dogs. GPS devices are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems and are sold in South Africa. They include products such as:
Blind SA – Orientation and Mobility Practitioners: We provide independence training to blind and partially sighted persons so that they may live independently without depending on other people to take them around or perform skills of daily living on their behalf.
We aim to change the attitudes of sighted people towards people who have visual disability and educate them on how to assist a blind person and to respect the cane. Through “Orientation and Mobility” we also train clients to enhance the learner’s personal mobility skills, and to develop insight into the challenges facing persons who are blind and partially sighted.
Please feel free to contact Blind SA to find out more, or to receive a quote.
Orientation and Mobility Certificate Course
Movement with independence in the environment has been stated to be one of the major challenges of vision loss. To facilitate their meaningful empowerment, it is necessary to provide students with visual impairment skills and techniques which enable them to cope with these challenges.
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is a critical area for students with visual impairments as it is essential for the student to learn to move safely and efficiently and as independently as possible through all environments. The present course carrying the same title introduces the learners to various crucial aspects of this vital subject.
It is hoped that through the study of the course, the student-teachers would be in a better position to understand the implications of vision loss with reference to independent movement. It would also enable them to get insights into basic skills and components essential for meaningful orientation and easy and graceful movement for the visually impaired.
Please feel free to contact The Smart Dog to find out more, or to receive a quote.
3. Accessible Features
Accessible Features are features which have been introduced by mostly the Government, to make public places and activities Accessible. There are a wide variety of initiatives and laws which have been introduced throughout the world and in South Africa to assist persons with Visually Impairments to live and travel independently and to be able to complete daily tasks and activities, such as Traveling, Shopping, Eating Out and Moving from Point A To Point B.
These initiatives help to ensure that equal opportunities and rights are available to persons with Visual Impairments, they include:
a. Tactile Paving
Tactile paving also called truncated domes, is a system of a textured ground surface indicator found on footpaths, stairs and train station platforms to assist pedestrians who are Blind or have Visually Impairments.
Tactile paving was first developed in Japan before spreading to other nations around the world, including South Africa. The distinctive surface pattern of truncated domes, cones or bars are detectable by a long cane or underfoot and are used to alert pedestrians of approaching streets and a hazardous surface or grade change.
Raised domes are used to indicate a stop or change (e.g. the presence of an intersection or edge or a shift in direction). Users register the different types of tactile signals with canes or their feet and respond accordingly. Tactile Paving is available to purchase from companies such as Smart Stone in cities throughout South Africa. Tactile paving comes in different patterns and colours to alert the pedestrian of any dangers.
You can contact companies such as Smart Stone to find out more or receive a quote:
Disclaimers and References
Simplified Summary
Mobility Aids and Orientation Page: This page introduces products and techniques that can improve mobility for people with Visual impairments. You can see what’s available in South Africa and click links to find the companies that sell these products and services. Businesses can also share their products and services here and join our community.