On October 6, 1964 President Johnson signed the white cane safety day proclamation. In 2011, President Obama named it as blind Americans equality day. Since 1964, this day is celebrated each year on October 15th. Over the years, several countries also adopted this celebration.
Why is the white cane safety day important?
White canes have been widely used in the United States since the 1930’s, though previously sticks and similar objects were used. But in 1964, when we started to celebrate the white cane safety day, the use of white canes wasn’t widely known. Canes can come in all shapes and sizes. Some are there to help blind people to get a sense of the environment a few feet in front of them, but canes can also serve support purposes, or there are also identification canes. An identification cane is shorter, and it is not used to explore the environment, rather, it is to indicate to people that someone has a major visual impairment and it takes them longer to find things, or may act unexpectedly. Unfortunately often times when people don’t understand the reason for an identification cane, they may ask why would someone have a cane and still be able to see.
It is largely due to the white cane safety day that when people see someone with a white cane, they understand that this person is blind or visually impaired. This may even save lives when a person holding a white cane is walking on the street between cars when otherwise it would be inappropriate. Most likely it is because the curb wasn’t clearly indicated, not because the blind person chose to walk where it is dangerous.
What to do on the white cane awareness day?
Of course there is no prescription, whatever feels appropriate. Generally there are all kinds of events around the world related to the white cane, blind people, getting around, etc. There can be cultural programs, charity walks, really anything that can be connected to the white cane or blindness, to bring attention to it where it is needed, and to appreciate the progress where there is awareness.
What is the white cane awareness day?
The National Federation of the Blind celebrates this day as the white cane awareness day. As they explain, it is not only about the safety of people, but it is also about the independence of blind people. Blind people with the appropriate training and skills are able to get around just like anybody else. This is the day to remember that all opportunities should be available to all people.
How about guide dogs?
There is also an international guide dog day, but it is also important to say a word about guide dogs. Remembering the white cane is remembering something much larger. The safety and the independence of blind people, regardless of the tools they choose to use, let that be a white cane, a guide dog, or talking glasses which are able to detect the environment.
