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International White Cane Day holds deep significance for Richard Moore, originally hailing from Melbourne. In 2018, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. He has 95% vision loss and the loss of depth perception and peripheral vision. Within a year of his diagnosis, Richard had acquired his white cane and has embraced it as a fundamental tool in his journey.
Amidst these formidable obstacles, skateboarding had been an intrinsic part of Richard's life since the late '90s. His background in graphic design along with his passion for skateboarding and riding BMX (bicycle motocross) had significantly influenced his identity, from his clothing choices to his taste in music.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard embarked on orientation and mobility sessions with Vision Australia, where he discovered Dan Mancina's skateboarding videos who also has retinitis pigmentosa and is completely blind. Richard’s own vision loss makes judging depth and field of vision on an angle particularly challenging. This challenge sparked a unique idea – integrating the white cane into his skateboarding.
While learning to skateboard with the cane, Richard had to relearn fundamental techniques, from determining which hand to hold the cane in to adjusting his approach to obstacles based on his stance. Richard is the only recognised blind skateboarder in Australia.
The choice of white canes is critical in Richard's life. His go-to cane is Ambutech. For everyday activities, he opts for a roller tip, while skateboarding calls for a 55-inch Ambutech equipped with a static marshmallow tip.
For Richard, the white cane is more than a practical tool; the cane is a symbol of his identity. He has adorned it with stickers, making it uniquely his own. This symbolic gesture underscores the profound connection he shares with his white cane.
As International White Cane Day celebrates the diverse uses of the white cane, Richard stands as a testament to its potential. His skateboarding journey with the white cane serves as an inspiration to the visually impaired community and beyond. It is a reminder that a white cane can be more than just a mobility aid; it can be a tool of empowerment, enabling individuals to pursue their passions and defy expectations.
The white cane is a huge help for Richard’s skateboarding style. It aids him in gauging distances, locating cracks in the pavement, and even facilitating daring jumps onto ledges for grinds. Richard’s technique of tapping the cane at the bottom became second nature, seamlessly blending with moments of pole vaulting, allowing him to judge angles and make precise decisions about when to pop the board. This fusion of physics and science became an integral part of his daily life.
Richard seeks to challenge societal norms and expectations regarding blindness, defying stereotypes, and expectations. Skateboarding is not just a hobby for Richard; it is a lifestyle that permeates every facet of his existence, from his daily routine to his sartorial choices.
The white cane, beyond its practicality, has become an extension of Richard's identity. It brought him a newfound confidence as he navigated the world. It freed him from the constant need to be on guard, announcing to others that he was vision-impaired, and yet undeterred.
Richard’s skateboarding journey with the white cane has seen remarkable milestones. One standout moment was during a visit by the New Balance Numeric skate team to Adelaide. Atop a daunting 12-foot bunker, Richard used cane to feel his way around, gaining the confidence to take a daring plunge. This moment epitomized the empowerment the white cane had granted him.
Photo credit: Sam Coady