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
Friday, September 19, 2008
Braille services in Ft. Walton Beach
-Helen Keller
The Northwest Florida Visionnaires, Inc., is a non-profit, all-volunteer, charitable organization founded in 1976 to produce material in three forms for the visually impaired: Braille, Large Print, and Taping.
There are no charges for its services.
Our building is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m on Saturdays throughout the year at the:
John R. Hane Center
538 Bob Sikes Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL
(850) 862-4495 (leave message)
Tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted.
BRAILLE
Volunteers transcribe into Braille material that includes textbooks, pleasure reading books, menus, Christmas or birthday cards, and others.
TAPING
2-track and 4-track cassettes are used to record textbooks and/or pleasure materials.
LARGE PRINT
Large print calendars and personalized phone books are provided for the visually impaired.
Other assignments upon request.
Please call us at 850-862-4495 and leave a message. We will return your call.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 444
Shalimar, FL 32579
Ten Warning Signs of Age-Related Eye Problems
1. A flood of spots and floaters in your field of vision.
2. A sensation that a dark curtain has settled across your field of view, which could be signs of retinal detachment.
3. Sudden eye pain, redness, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can signal a sudden (acute) attack of narrow-angle glaucoma, which can permanently damage the eye's optic nerve. Immediate treatment is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
4. A gradual (or sudden) narrowing of your field of vision, leaving you with the ability to see only directly in front of you. This could mean you have developed glaucoma that damages your optic nerve.
5. A gradual loss of central vision, including distortions such as seeing wavy instead of straight lines. This is a sign of macular degeneration.
6. Cloudy and blurred eyesight, "halos" around lights at night, loss of bright color vision. These vision changes may be due to cataracts.
7. Blind spots in your field of view, accompanied by eye floaters and unexplained blurred vision. If you have diabetes, these vision problems may be due to the onset of diabetic retinopathy.
8. "Scratchy" or irritated sensation, eye surface pain, tearing.
9. Double vision, double images, or "ghost" images.
10. Sudden blurry vision in one eye.
While some vision symptoms are less urgent, sudden vision loss means you should immediately contact your eye care practitioner.
You also can reduce your chances of developing serious eye problems by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, along with undergoing regular eye exams.
Source: http://www.allaboutvision.com/over60/warning-signs.htm
Leia Mais…
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Vision for the Future
Leia Mais…
Monday, March 31, 2008
Link between Age-related macular degeneration & stroke risk
Researchers have found the people with age related macular degeneration are more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke.
The study, which followed more than 3000 people, (who were all over the age of 49 at the onset of the study) for 10 years, found that those who had the late stage of the disease at the onset of the study were had five times the risk of dying from a heart attack and 10 times the risk of dying from a stroke.
Individuals who developed early age-related macular degeneration during the study had twice the risk of dying form a heart attack or stork within the next decade.
These findings are significant because there is concern that some current treatments for the disease may increase stroke risk.
Researchers caution that the findings are based on a relativley small study and should be interpreted with caution.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
New Help for those with damaged or diseased corneas
Researchers at
The Duoptix material, made of two interwoven hydrogels, is transparent and swells to a water content of 80%-similar to biological tissues. The hydrogel is nutrient permeable, allowing the cornea to receive glucose, it’s favorite food. The material is also strong and flexible, allowing it to survive suturing during surgery.
According to Christopher Ta, assistant professor of ophthalmology at
Other future applications for the material could include use as more comfortable extended wear contacts, implanted contacts or even replacements for inner-eye lenses damaged by cataracts.
Leia Mais…Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Well, it is a horse, of course!
Most of us have encountered a visually impaired person with a guide dog, but have you ever seen a guide horse?
The Guide Horse Foundation website lists several advantages that miniature horses have over dogs as service animals, including: longer life span (30-40 years), greater acceptance in public places, calm & focused nature, good memory, excellent vision and not easily distracted. Even with all of these attributes, it is highly unlikely that horses will replaces dogs as guides for the blind.
The National Federation of the Blind adopted a resolution in 2001 that opposes the use of guide horses. The resolution states: “We affirm the fundamental right of blind people to use properly trained dogs, and oppose any effort, such as the use of inappropriate animals, which would degrade that right.
Leia Mais…Monday, March 10, 2008
Scientists use English Mastiff to study eye disease
Researchers at
The research is expected to allow scientists to find treatments and cures for these forms of blindness in humans, and it will also help to eradicate the condition in dogs. Scientists have already developed a genetic screening test for breeders to help eliminate the defective gene in purebred English Mastiffs.
The study is being sponsored in part by The Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Leia Mais…Friday, March 7, 2008
Diabetic African Americans have increased risk of vision loss
New study findings show that African Americans with type one diabetes have a high risk of vision loss.
Dr. Monique S. Roy, lead investigator, of the
Dr. Roy and co-investigator, Dr. Joan Sunice, followed approximately 500 African Americans with tpe 1 diabetes over a period of 6 years to determine rate of vision loss and associated risk factors.
In addition to poor blood sugar control, older age, high protein levels in the urine, and diabetic retinopathy were all independent predictors of vision loss over 6 years.
Dr.Roy noted: “Since African Americans with diabetes as a whole have poor blood sugar control, a major effort to improve glucose control must be made by patients and physicians taking care of such patients..”
Information for this post was gathered form an article written by Joene Hendry for Reuters Health.
Leia Mais…Thursday, March 6, 2008
Blindness Prevention Costly
Lucentis, a breakthrough drug that treats and reverses wet macular degeneration, is a lifesaver for many affected by the condition. However, at $2,000 a monthly dose, required for the rest of the patients life, the treatment is out of reach for many.
Doctors in
One ophthalmologist reports that many of his patients are able to read three more lines on an eye chart after receiving a few rounds of treatment with Avastin. Avastin is also cheaper, with one monthly dose costing as little as $150 for the patient. However, because Avastin is being used off label to treat wet macular degeneration, there are some concerns.
Lucentis was subjected to nearly 10 years of clinical studies before being approved by the FDA to treat macular degeneration. Avastin was not studied or approved for use in the eye.
There is upcoming research planned to determine which of the drugs is actually better. The U.S. Government funded National Eye Institute approved a trial in principle that would pit the two drugs against each other.
Leia Mais…Saturday, October 6, 2007
Smoking linked to Age-Related Blindness
Smokers are four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, according to Australian researchers.
The study followed 2,454 who were at least 49 years old at the beginning of the study, for ten years. The study showed that that smokers were four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than those who had never smoked, and they developed it an average of five years earlier.
Previous smokers were three times more likely to have an advanced form of the disease than never-smokers.
Smoking is considered the most preventable cause of Macular Degeneration.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Target to stand trial in Web Site Accessibility case
A federal court judge ruled on Oct. 2 that $60 billion retailer Target needed to stand trial on charges that its Web site is not totally accessible to visually-impaired shoppers.
U.S. Court judge Marilyn Hall Patel, Northern District of California ruled that the case was certified as a class-action fro a group of visually-impaired U.S. consumers, under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The court also ruled that, under California law, Target.com is required to be accessible.
The decisions are preliminary, and simply allow litigation to continue. The broad issue in the case is what requirements a web site is required to meet to accommodate visually-impaired users.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Eating certain foods may ward off blindness
Researchers have recently concluded that two nutrients found in eggs, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables can offer protection against age-related macular degeneration. The nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, are carotenoids, compounds that give many fruits and vegetables a yellow color.
The 6-year study tracked the dietary habits of more than 4500 persons aged 60-80. Those who were in the top fifth of dietary consumption of foods containing the two nutrients had a 35% decrease in the chance of developing age-related macular degeneration when compared to those in the lowest fifth of consumption. No other nutrients showed clear associations.
Food sources considered to be good sources of the two nutrients include eggs, spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas and Brussels sprouts.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Satellite Navigation to Aid Blind
The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully demonstrated a prototype of its satellite navigation system for use by visually-impaired persons.
The demonstration, held in Madrid, featured a blind man guided a guide dog walking along the streets while wearing specially-equipped headphones. The headphones gave him directions to his destination.
By using a mobile phone combined with a position receiver and a voice synthesizer, a visually-impaired person can walk through the city while being guided by satellite.
This system is not intended to replace a white cane or a guide dog, it simply offers an "audible map" to guide the visually-impaired person to their destination, reducing dependence on other pedestrians for directions.
Monday, September 24, 2007
New Help for those with damaged or diseased corneas
Researchers at
The Duoptix material, made of two interwoven hydrogels, is transparent and swells to a water content of 80%-similar to biological tissues. The hydrogel is nutrient permeable, allowing the cornea to receive glucose, it’s favorite food. The material is also strong and flexible, allowing it to survive suturing during surgery.
According to Christopher Ta, assistant professor of ophthalmology at
Other future applications for the material could include use as more comfortable extended wear contacts, implanted contacts or even replacements for inner-eye lenses damaged by cataracts.
Leia Mais…Friday, September 14, 2007
Diabetic African Americans have increased risk of vision loss
New study findings show that African Americans with type one diabetes have a high risk of vision loss.
Dr. Monique S. Roy, lead investigator, of the
Dr. Roy and co-investigator, Dr. Joan Sunice, followed approximately 500 African Americans with tpe 1 diabetes over a period of 6 years to determine rate of vision loss and associated risk factors.
In addition to poor blood sugar control, older age, high protein levels in the urine, and diabetic retinopathy were all independent predictors of vision loss over 6 years.
Dr.Roy noted: “Since African Americans with diabetes as a whole have poor blood sugar control, a major effort to improve glucose control must be made by patients and physicians taking care of such patients..”
Information for this post was gathered form an article written by Joene Hendry for Reuters Health.
Leia Mais…Tuesday, August 28, 2007
For the love of the game...
Long Island was recently the host of a round-robin tournament for blind baseball teams. One June 23rd, players from the Long Island Bombers, the Pennsylvania Wolfpack, the Chicago Comets and the Boston Renegades met for the first beeper ball tournament held in New York State.
There were no cheering crowds at these games though-the applause and shouting would prevent the players from hearing the beeping baseball or running towards the buzzing bases. At the plate, the batter listens for the pitch.
The bases are different in this game as well. They are soft pylons 100 feet from home plate at first and third. The hitter has the option of running to either one. If the batter reaches the base before a fielder can grab a hit ball, a run is scored. Otherwise, the batter is out.
If you or someone you know is blind, and needs help to live a independent life, please contact us at IB West.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Talking website eyes fashion for the blind
Two American students have created a website that talks to help blind and visually impaired individuals find trendy clothes, which are then mailed to the person's home. The website, www.whitecanelabel.com, asks users what types of clothes they like, what colors, or what style it is they are looking for (ex. business casual). The website then picks an outfits according to the person's taste.
Asmah Abushagur and Jaimen Brill, students at the Rochester Institute of Technology, thought of the idea for a school project. But once they realized the difficulties blind people often have trying to dress themselves, they created a non-profit organization which asks designers to donate clothes.
Braille labels will be attached to clothing so a person can tell the difference between different colors and outfits.
Abushagur and Brill's website, www.whitecanelabel.com, it scheduled to go online in the fall.
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