Codes and Frequencies
Description
WHITECANE reports whether the person uses a white cane for vision problems. Please see Comparability and Universe tabs for changes in universe and question wording between samples.
In 1990, persons coded "Not mentioned" include those for whom it was unknown whether he or she used any assistive device for vision problems. To identify those persons, please see VDEVICE (Uses adaptive device for vision problem).
In 1994 and 1995 this variable is part of the Disability Supplement (NHIS-D) that collects information on disability. NHIS-D included two household interviews: in Phase I all members of sample families were screened for any indication of disability; in Phase II persons with any indication of disability were followed-up for additional information. Phase I includes sensory, communication, and mobility problems; health conditions; activities of daily living and independent activities of daily living; functional limitations; mental health; services and benefits; special health needs of children; early child development; education; relationship to respondent; and perceived disability. Phase II includes Disability Followback Survey (DFS) questionnaires: one for children, one for adults, one for elderly persons (69 years of age and over) without any indication of disability (also called the Supplement on Aging or SOA; only in 1994), and one for persons with a history of polio.
Comparability
In 1990, the universe includes persons who completed an assistive devices questionnaire and use any special equipment, such as a white cane, for vision problems. The universe excludes persons who use only eyeglasses or contact lenses. Persons coded "Not mentioned" in 1990 include those for whom it was unknown whether he or she used any assistive device for vision problems. To identify those persons, please see VDEVICE (Uses adaptive device for vision problem).
In 1994 and 1995, the universe includes persons in the National Health Interview Survey-Disability Survey (NHIS-D) Phase I sample who were legally blind, or who have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses or contact lenses and were expected to have serious difficulty for at least the next 12 months. In those years, this variable indicates if he or she currently used a white cane.
There are no comparability issues for this variable in 1994 and 1995. Due to changes in universe, this variable is not comparable between the 1990 sample and later years. For a complete list of aids for people with visual impairments included in 1994-1995, please see DPEYEAID7.
Universe
- 1990: Persons whose household respondent did not refuse the assistive devices questionnaire.
- 1994-1995: Persons in the NHIS-D Phase I sample who were legally blind or have serious difficulty seeing and were expected to have serious difficulty for at least 12 more months.
Availability
- 1990, 1994-1995
