The National Federation of the Blind celebrates “White Cane Awareness Day” every year on 15 October. For blind people, the white cane is an essential tool that gives us the ability to achieve a full and independent life.
It allows us to move freely and safely from place to place, whether it’s at work, at school, or around our neighbourhoods.
Highlights:
- World White Cane Day is also known as White Cane Safety Day is celebrated every year on October 15.
- The day was first marked in 1964 in United States by President Lyndon B Johnson.
- In 2011, President Barack Obama named the day as Blind Americans Equality Day.
- The day is now observed worldwide and recognises the movement of blind people from dependency to active participation in society. It also celebrates the achievement of blind people.
White cane and its significance
- White cane is an important mobility tool and a symbol of independence. Canes have been used by blind people for centuries but white cane was not in use before the 20th century.
- It was introduced in the US in the 1930s and it helped motorists identify blind people walking on the streets. The cane has now become a symbol of freedom, independence, and confidence. It enables a blind person to move freely and helps in accomplishing daily tasks.
How it works?
- Blind people use their hearing and touch sense to understand the environment around them.
- It helps them in assessing the situation, directions, obstacles, and take decisions quickly without any hesitation. The tool enables the person in doing almost everything in his or her life without much difficulty.