THE WHITE CANE

What is the significance of this special day as it is observed by organisations affiliated with the blind and visually impaired throughout the world?

White Cane Safety Day has been declared so that the general public can be sensitised of the purpose and use of this tool which is used by the blind and visually impaired worldwide.

“James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in 1921.” The Movement of the White Cane commenced in France, then to Britain and to the United States of America.

“During the early 1960s, several state organisations and rehabilitation agencies serving the blind and visually impaired citizens of the United States urged Congress to proclaim October 15 of each year to be White Cane Safety Day in all fifty states.”

To this time, White Cane Safety Day is still observed inclusive of Trinidad and Tobago.

What is the white cane and its uses? Who are the users of this device? What are some of the problems encountered by persons who use this device daily? Explanations are provided to sensitise and inform all about the white cane.

Individuals who have not been exposed to the accurate term or “white cane” often make reference to the cane as being either a rod, a stick or “that thing.” Some may even go so far to refer to the white cane as “it.”

The colour “white” is an international symbol for blindness. The colour “white” has been chosen to represent blindness because it is more visible to motorists and pedestrians.

One type of white cane may have a section, which is painted red. The colour red may serve two purposes. To assist with adequate visibility for motorists to know that an individual has a visual impairment. Also, it identifies that the user may be multiple disabled.

The white cane is used by the “legally blind.” In Trinidad and Tobago, there are more than “thirteen thousand” persons who fall within this legal definition of blindness.

Therefore, should you see a person with a white cane on the streets, know that that person has some degree of visual impairment.

The person who uses the white cane could either be totally blind or partially sighted. Partially sighted refers to having light perception, colour vision, guiding vision, night blindness, tunnel vision or peripheral vision.

Although in some cases an individual may be able to read print, mobility can be problematic. The white cane is used as an extension of the arm, which is placed ahead of the user.

As the individual moves forward, the white cane is tipped from left to right, clears the way and assists to identify if there are obstacles in the path. The white cane assists the person with the visual impairment to be mobile and independent.

A user of the white cane may encounter many problems as follows:

— Due to the many cracks, holes and rough sidewalks, the white cane can be easily damaged.

— When the user of the cane walks along the walls of buildings or the edges of sidewalks, pedestrians must not try to walk or jump over the movement of the cane. Should this occur, the cane could easily be bent or broken.

— At times when canes are broken due to the fault of pedestrians, in some cases, such persons do not stop to enquire if they can be of assistance leaving the user of the white cane stranded and left to fend for him/herself.

— When guiding a person who uses the white cane, do not hold the person’s hand, which has the cane.

Do not lift the hand with the cane away from touching the ground. The person with the sight impairment has to feel the ground as footsteps are made. Or, do not ask to put away or close the white cane.

The white cane is an international device for the legally blind. White represents the colour for blindness. Obstacles are meted out to the user of the white cane on a daily basis.

Appeal is made for pedestrians and drivers to become sensitised to the white cane and its importance.

The white cane is like an eye to the visually challenged.