Douala: Visually impaired persons sensitise population on use of White Cane.

This was on the sidelines of activities organised in commemoration of the 55th edition of the World White Cane Day, WWCD, on Tuesday October 15. 

The Day was celebrated under the theme: “Promoting inclusion: Celebrating abilities and advocating access for people”.

The Day, which serves as an opportunity to raise awareness on the different signals expressed by the visually impaired persons, was observed for the 23rd time in Cameroon.

For the visually impaired, the White Cane is an essential tool that gives them the ability to achieve a full and independent life. They said it allows them to move freely and safely from place to place - whether it is at work, at school, or around our neighbourhoods.

From sharing of tracks, explaining the various signs of the White Cane, to sensitisation walks and talks, the members of ACFISA, used the period to emphasise the critical role the tool plays in living the lives they want and informing the public about its true significance

Going by the Vice President of ACFISA, Kotto Abel, the White Cane helps them to move independently around town. 

He added that it expresses the type of help needed when a blind person lifts his hands up, crosses or, stretching the cane amongst others signals. 

How White Canes work

Kotto said for them who are visually impaired, the senses of hearing and touch helps explore and understand the surrounding the White Cane.

He mentioned that the tool makes their hands and arms longer, so they are able to assess the situation, and move quickly and confidently. 

It also allows them to avoid obstacles, find steps and curbs, locate and step over cracks or uneven places in the sidewalk, find doorways, get into cars and buses, and much more.

Going by the ACFISA vice president, a person who sees a blind person using a White Cane should remember that the cane is their tool to safely and independently navigate the environment. 

“Remember that we are using our canes to explore what is around us. If we need any help or direction, we will ask. If you are driving or cycling and see someone using a white cane, you must follow the law and stop to give that person the right of way,” Kotto cautioned, adding that the impaired person should not use the movement tool to cause harm as well. 

History of White Cane awareness day

While it was not uncommon throughout history for blind people to use a stick or cane to navigate, society largely didn’t accept that blind people could travel by themselves until recently. 

In the 1960s, the National Federation of the Blind became a leader in fighting for the rights of the blind and in pioneering innovative training programs using the white cane. 

The United States Congress was thus urged to adopt a joint resolution in 1964, designating October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day and recognsing that white canes enable blind people to travel safely and independently. 

While the White Cane does keep blind people safe, it is also a tool that they use to explore and navigate the environment. The emphasis of White Cane Safety Day has shifted over time away from safety, and toward independence and equality. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3262 of Thursday October 17, 2024