What is meant by honour the white cane

The following short history of the white cane was written by Philip Strong.

Not everyone who is blind or visually impaired uses the traditional white cane to help them get around, but everyone with vision issues understands the powerful symbol of independence it represents. Johnson in The resolution was designed to honor the many achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans while recognizing the role the white cane has played in advancing their independence. Use of the white cane by the blind and visually impaired is traced to England and France in the s and s, when increasing vehicular traffic began creating problems for those who used a cane to navigate. The cane was painted white to make it easier for others to see.

What is meant by honour the white cane

Published By: Nibandh Vinod. Trending Desk. Mumbai, India. World White Cane Day is observed to recognise the importance of blind people. Image: Shutterstock. For the unversed, the white cane is an important mobility tool that was mainly invented for blind people and has been in use for centuries now. With time, the tool has now become a support system for blind people, becoming a symbol of freedom, independence, and confidence for them as they are now capable of moving freely and doing their own daily tasks independently. With the use of a cane, blind people use their hearing and touching senses to understand the environment and carry out their tasks easily. Considering the significance that it holds, World White Cane Day is observed to recognise the importance of blind people, and their active participation in society and to celebrate independence. While sticks and canes were used by blind people for centuries, there was still a lack of trust that blind people could not travel on their own. It was finally in the s when the National Federation of the Blind NFB started a fight against the solution and for the independence of the blind people.

Article Talk. The Lions Clubs International is credited with championing the use of the white canes in North America, after a club member observed a blind man trying to cross a busy street using a black cane. However, more recently canes have been started to be introduced as soon as a child learns to walk to aid development with great success.

A white cane is a device used by many people who are blind or visually impaired. A white cane primarily allows its user to scan their surroundings for obstacles or orientation marks, but is also helpful for onlookers in identifying the user as blind or visually impaired and taking appropriate care. The latter is the reason for the cane's white colour, which in many jurisdictions is mandatory. Mobility canes are often made from aluminium , graphite-reinforced plastic or other fibre-reinforced plastic , and can come with a wide variety of tips depending upon user preference. White canes can be either collapsible or straight, with both versions having pros and cons. The National Federation of the Blind in the United States affirms that the lightness and greater length of the straight canes allows greater mobility and safety, though collapsible canes can be stored with more ease, giving them advantage in crowded areas such as classrooms and public events. Blind people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries.

Celebrated since , this day celebrates the accomplishments and capabilities of people with vision loss and blindness. The white cane stands as a symbol of independence. Steve Kelley, a Peer Advisor with VisionAware, a program of American Printing House for the Blind, commented on the importance of the white cane for people who are blind or have low vision. It is a symbol for members of our community who are blind or visually impaired. White Cane Safety Day is observed annually on October 15 to recognize the many achievements of blind and visually impaired citizens and the white cane as a tool promoting independent travel. Loss of vision is a life-altering event whether it occurs at a young age or later in life. The number of people with vision impairment or blindness in the United States is expected to double to more than 8 million by the year That is why early screenings to detect eye diseases, regular monitoring for vision changes, and access to training in non-visual skills and techniques are so important.

What is meant by honour the white cane

The white cane is not just a tool that can be used to achieve independence; it is also a symbol of the blind citizens in our society. Throughout history, the cane, staff, and stick have existed as traveling aids for the blind and visually impaired. The blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in their path. This new role for the white cane had its origins in the decades between the two World Wars, beginning in Europe and then spreading to North America. James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in After an accident claimed his sight, the artist had to readjust to his environment.

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To honor the many achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans and to recognize the white cane's significance in advancing independence, we observe October 15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day". In some communities, there will be marches or walks through the town, while in others there may be informational booths set up to explain the history and symbolism of the cane. Distinctive cane used in walking by the blind. In May the BBC suggested in its radio broadcasts that blind individuals might be provided with a white stick, which would become universally recognized as a symbol indicating that somebody was blind or visually impaired. But when the blind veterans of World War II returned to America, the form and the use of the white cane was further altered in an attempt to help return veterans to participatory lifestyles at home. The following year, Donald Schuur wrote the provision of a bill and had it proposed in the Michigan State Legislature. Before he taught other rehabilitators, or "orientors", his new technique he had a special commission to have light weight, long white canes made for the veterans of the European fronts. We agree with Danielle, but until that day arrives, White Cane Safety Day is one way the blind and visually impaired can make the case for their freedom and independence to the sighted community. Latest Blogs. Retrieved 31 March In , the club began a nationwide effort to promote the use of white canes. The campaign was reported in British newspapers leading to a similar scheme being sponsored by rotary clubs throughout the United Kingdom.

White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States , celebrated on October 15 of each year since The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.

Considering the significance that it holds, World White Cane Day is observed to recognise the importance of blind people, and their active participation in society and to celebrate independence. Archived from the original on 5 February Doctor Richard Hoover developed the "long cane" or "Hoover" method of cane travel. Contents move to sidebar hide. We agree with Danielle, but until that day arrives, White Cane Safety Day is one way the blind and visually impaired can make the case for their freedom and independence to the sighted community. A white cane is a device used by many people who are blind or visually impaired. Retrieved 31 March In North America the introduction of the white cane has been attributed to the Lion's Clubs International. In the United States, laws vary from state to state, but in all cases, those carrying white canes are afforded the right-of-way when crossing a road. The first special white cane ordinance was passed in December in Peoria, Illinois , granting blind pedestrians protections and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane. In in France, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a national white stick movement for blind people. American Council of the Blind. The latter is the reason for the cane's white colour, which in many jurisdictions is mandatory. The Presidential proclamation emphasized the significance of the use of the white cane as both a tool and as a visible symbol. However, more recently canes have been started to be introduced as soon as a child learns to walk to aid development with great success.