The white cane is a vital instrument for blind people that enables us to lead full and independent lives. It enables us to travel freely and securely, whether it's inside our neighborhoods, at work, or to and from school. It is a long cane that is used to navigate and avoid hazards on the road by those who have low vision or vision loss. They can distinguish dents, platform edges, steps, and uneven surfaces thanks to their visual aid. While some of them need canes to get around, others utilize them to alert people to their visual impairment. It's crucial to realize that not every one of them is completely blind or suffers from the same eye disease.
In the Philippines, August 1st is recognized as White Cane Safety Day annually (Republic Act 6759). The purpose of White Cane Safety Day is to encourage understanding of the white cane's use as assistive equipment for people with visual impairments to improve their visibility.
For their users, white canes are crucial equipment for mobility. People who are blind, Deaf-Blind, or visually challenged can independently and safely navigate their surroundings thanks to white canes.
There are two types of long white canes: those that fold and those that don't. Aluminum or graphite folding canes are available and are simply collapsed and stowed. Compared to aluminum canes, graphite canes are lighter and simpler to fold and unfurl. Although excellent for travel, folding canes are typically less stable than straight (non-folding) canes and don't offer as much sensory feedback.
There are various cane types, such as straight, roller, and mushroom tips, each with different usage.
- Guide cane
- Long cane
- Symbol cane
- All white cane
- Red and white cane
- White cane with red bottom
- Colorful cane
August 1 - This day is devoted to bringing attention to the lengthy white canes that many blind people rely on to go around. Happy White Cane Safety Day!
PDO I Kimberly Tanador, RND
References:
IRR of RA 6759
https://chr-observatories.uwazi.io/en/entity/5z4wtr3svr?page=1
https://www.ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/republic-acts/republic-act-6759/
All You Need to Know About the White Cane
https://www.letsenvision.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-white-cane
