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It is our eyes that help us see the world. The colours around and the wonderful world can be seen only because of the eys we are gifted. But that is not the case with everyone. October 15, this day was named Blind Americans Equality Day in 2011 by President, Barack Obama.
Almost 2.2 billion people across the world are affected by visual impairment. This number might seem small but it does affect many. It is an important issue to be addressed. It is quite challenging and at times frustrating not being able to see the things around them as others do. Thus, people will celebrate white cane day india too.
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The History of White Cane Awareness Day
Society largely did not accept that blind people can travel by themselves until recently. While it was not uncommon throughout history for blind people to use a stick or cane to navigate, people had difficulty accepting it. In the 1960s, the National Federation of the Blind became a leader in fighting for the rights of the blind and in pioneering innovative training programs using the white cane. At our urging, the United States Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1964 designating October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day and recognizing that white canes enable blind people to travel safely and independently.
While the white cane does keep blind people safe, it is also a tool that blind people use to explore and navigate our environment. For this reason, the emphasis of White Cane Safety Day has shifted over time away from safety, and toward independence and equality. There is no particular white cane day 2021 theme but the aim of the event remains the same.
What to do when you see someone using a White Cane?
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When you see a blind person using a white cane, remember that the cane is our tool to safely and independently navigate the environment. There’s no need to shout warnings or try to physically steer us so that our canes won’t bump into things. Remember that we are using our canes to explore what is around us. If we need any help or direction, we will ask. If you are driving or cycling and see someone using a white cane, you must follow the law and stop giving that person the right of way. Here are more tips to keep in mind when meeting a blind person.
White Cane as a Symbol 2022
The white cane day can be perceived by many as a symbol of blindness or visual impairment. White canes are recognized for providing the visually impaired with greater mobility, allowing them to participate more within their communities. Blind and visually impaired people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries, but it was not until after World War I that the white cane was properly introduced. In modern times, there are different varieties of this tool, each serving slightly varied needs.
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Suggested White Cane Day 2022 Activities
- Arranging for a person who is blind and demonstrating the usage of the white cane and the benefits. Encouraging them to share his or her accomplishments and aspirations with the community or the club.
- Inviting a representative from some local school for the blind or a low vision clinic and requesting them to speak about white cane, orientation mobility and white cane laws in the community.
- Work with your local government officials and create a White Cane Safety Day Proclamation for the event.
- Work with local news media and convey the white cane laws to the public.
Significance of World White Cane Day 2022
It is on this year that the achievements of those people who fought against their physical limitations in sight and are still achieving success are celebrated and given the honour they deserve. The white cane is the most easily recognized symbol of one who is visually impaired. Thus, it was selected as the symbol to highlight the resolve of the human will to triumph against any adversity, in this case being sight.
The day initially started as a day of national observance only in the United States of America but now has been gradually accepted worldwide.
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Takeaway
It is important to celebrate the history and recognizing the white cane as the tool that has been the blind over the years. President Lyndon Johnson had said back in 1964 that cane helps the blind to “come and go on [our] own”. On this day, people emphasize shifting one’s focus from safety to independence and continue using the white cane as a symbol.
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