Canes, Canines, and Choice: An Investigation of Guide Dog and Cane Use in 2021 and Beyond

By Arielle Michal Silverman, Bia B. Amorosino, Elizabeth Bolander, and Theresa Stern

Preferred Citation

Silverman, A. M., Amorosino, B. B., Bolander, E., & Stern, T. (2025). Canes, canines, and choice: An investigation of guide dog and cane use in 2021 and beyond. Journal of Blindness Innovation & Research, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.5241/15-13

Abstract

Guide dogs have historically offered mobility support and companionship to some adults who are blind or have low vision. The choice to use a guide dog or a cane as one’s primary travel tool is deeply personal and complex, with advantages and disadvantages to both methods of travel. In this study, we report qualitative findings from guide dog users and cane users living in the United States and Canada, with a focus on the perceived benefits and challenges of guide dog travel. The findings demonstrate that recent trends in travel may impact current and future patterns related to guide dog usage. Implications for research and practice in travel instruction are discussed.

Keywords

Guide dogs, orientation and mobility, cane travel


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5241/15-13

The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research is copyright (c) 2025 to the National Federation of the Blind.