Wednesday October 15 is White Cane Safety Day.
In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated there are more than 161 million visually impaired people around the world. Millions use a white cane for mobility.
Below I have provided a little background history on the White Cane, which I found at Wikipedia.org.
Blind people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries, but it was not until after World War I that the white cane was introduced.
In 1921 James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who became blind after an accident and was uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home, painted his walking stick white to be more easily visible.
In 1931 in France, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a national white stick movement for blind people.
In the United States, the introduction of the white cane is attributed to George A. Bonham of the Lions Clubs International (http://www.lionsclubs.org). In 1930, a Lions Club member watched as a man who was blind attempted to cross the street with a black cane that was barely visible to motorists against the dark pavement. The Lions decided to paint the cane white to make it more visible. In 1931, Lions Clubs International began a program promoting the use of white canes for people who are blind.
The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed in December 1930 in Peoria, Illinois granting blind pedestrians protections and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane.
On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day". President Lyndon Johnson was the first to make this proclamation.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
White Cane Safety Day Fun Facts
National Federation for the Blind offers free canes to blind and visually impaired Americans
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), has launched an initiative to ensure that any blind person in the United States and Puerto Rico who needs a long white cane will have one, regardless of their ability to pay. The NFB will provide a free cane to anyone in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico who is blind or has low vision and who uses or desires to use a white cane in order to travel independently. This historic initiative is the largest effort ever of its kind to provide white canes to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
The long white cane provides an effective means for blind students to get to school, blind adults to get to work, and blind seniors to remain active. White canes allow individuals who are visually impaired the ability to increase mobility and gain independence.
The National Federation of the Blind will provide a straight, light fiberglass cane to any blind individual in the United States or Puerto Rico who requires the cane for personal use. Canes are available in the following lengths: 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, or 63 inches. Individuals may only request one free cane in any six-month period.
Click here to Apply for a free cane from the NFB.
Source: National Federation of the Blind
Monday, October 6, 2008
White Cane Awareness Day
Did you know that White Cane Safety Day is held on October 15 of each year? President Lyndon B. Johnson, along with Congress, signed a joint resolution in 1964 as a way to increase knowledge among Americans that the white cane is a tool used by the blind and visually impaired, and also a tool that helps them live more independently. We will be having our annual White Cane Awareness Day activities Wednesday October 22, 2008 from 11:30am to 1:3opm at New World Landing. Beginning at 11:3o, there will be informational booths from various organizations and agencies that serve the visually impaired. A complimentary lunch will be provided, and after the luncheon two special guests will cross Palafox Street blindfolded to raise awareness of White Cane Laws.
White Cane Law 316.1301
1. It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or paritally blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is whilte in color or white tipped with red.
2. Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a guide dog or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersectino or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian. A person who is convicted of violation of this subsection is guilting of moving violation punishable as provided in Chapter 428.
For the entire White Cane Law, you can go to http://dbs.myflorida.com/laws/white_cane.php
If you would like to attend Independence for the Blind of West Florida's White Cane Awareness Day, please RSVP to Lindsay Pieler, Public Relations Specislist no later than October16. 477-2663
Have a great week!
Alicia Hefty
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