Meka White uses her white cane to navigate outside of the Seattle facility
In the United States, one day of the year has been set aside to bring awareness to the importance and significance of the white cane. On October 15, 1964, President Lyndon B Johnson first proclaimed this day a national observance to call attention to the mobility aid that brings independence to those who are blind.
Over the years there has been some controversy on how long a cane should be (to the armpit, chin, or forehead) or whether a folding, telescoping, or rigid (non-folding) cane is best. The cane grip (golf, bicycle, or varying covered handles) or cane tip (pencil, marshmallow, roller, and many others to choose from) could also be debated. Ultimately, the length and style of cane and type of grip or tip is up to the individual traveler and should be based on what is most effective, comfortable, and safest for them.
Today, there are even more choices when it comes to canes. Some people have adopted using a bedazzled cane with colors representing their personality or style, or adorning it with a dangling charm. The bottom line though is still the same, the white cane allows someone without usable sight to safely navigate their environment and should alert those in the community, especially drivers, that the person with the cane is blind.
Paul Ducharme uses his white cane and a miniguide device to navigate safely around the Seattle campus
At The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., every day, men and women travel to and from work, often with long commutes on multiple forms of public transportation using the long white cane. They are navigating their communities independently and confidently thanks to Orientation and Mobility Training at the Lighthouse.
Our Orientation and Mobility instructors teach safe travel to all employees free of charge through our Employee and Community Service Department. Each new employee receives a Safety Kit including high visibility hats, vests, gloves, and lights to attach to their white canes. Your gift today helps support independence for those who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities traveling throughout our community.
I guess you could say, at the Lighthouse, every day is “White Cane Safety Day!”
