Today, 15th October MoEAC joins the world in observing International White Cane Day. The day recognizes the movement of blind people from dependency to full participation in society.

For blind people, the white cane is an essential tool that gives them the ability to achieve a full and independent life. It allows them to move freely and safely from place to place—whether it's at school, at work or around our neighbourhoods.

A Brief History

Blind people have been using canes to travel independently for thousands of years. Over the years, blind people have had different reasons for using canes.

- „It is essential for the public torealisethat not all white-cane users are totally blind.  A white cane is an important safeguard for persons with varying levels of visual impairment.

- The white cane notifies pedestrians and drivers that we are blind or have little vision, and that we request your patience and understanding. It is a talisman that keeps us safe. It is a visible emblem that explains our limited or total loss of vision.

Variety of Canes

- People who are blind or vision-impaired might choose to use a white cane as a mobility aid. Different types of canes are available in the world.

- The symbol cane: Informs others that the person has vision impairment and may need assistance. It is not a mobility aid or physical support.

- A white walking stick: Indicates that a person has vision impairment and provides physical support.

The Long cane

- The long cane is designed as a mobility device and acts as an obstacle detector, with users sweeping it from side-to-side, one stride in front of them. The aim is to get clues about their environment for quick reaction.

- This sweeping technique helps locate potential hazards on the ground and allows the person to know when they are approaching a step. The cane also detects tactile paving to indicate that the person has come to a designated crossing point where it is safe to cross the road.

- The use of different surfaces underfoot conveys important information to people using canes, as they navigate the streets in a very different way compared to sighted people. The feel and sound of a cane swept across the pavement is very different to the feel and sound of a cane touching tactile paving and immediately alerts the person that they are approaching a crossing.