White Cane - the symbol of blindness
 

BY M.C. JAYASIRI

TO HONOUR the many achievements of blind and visually impaired individuals, and to recognize the white cane's significance in advancing independence, we observe October 15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day".

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 travelling aids for the blind and the visually impaired. Dating back to biblical times, records show that a shepherd's staff was used as a tool for solitary travel. The blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in their path.

For centuries, the "cane" was used merely as a tool for travel, and it was not until the 20th century that the cane as we know it today was promoted for use by the blind as a symbol to alert others to the fact that an individual was blind.

This new role of 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 1921.

After an accident claimed his sight the artist had to readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his home Biggs decided to paint his walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists. It was not however until ten years later the white cane established its presence in society.

In February 1931, Guilly de Herbemont launched a scheme for a national white cane movement for blind people in France. The campaign was reported by British newspapers leading to a similar scheme being sponsored by rotary clubs throughout the United Kingdom.

In May 1931 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.

In North America the introduction of the white cane has been attributed to the Lions Clubs International. President Lyndon B. Johnson goes into history as the first to proclaim October 15th as White Cane Safety Day.

The proclamation was made in the year 1964. Thus the white cane acquired both international as well as legal status as the symbol of blindness. Accordingly, blind persons all over the world celebrate this event with much enthusiasm.

In the United States a white stick is the equivalent of a zebra crossing. If a blind person carrying a white stick steps into the road, the traffic must give him priority.

In England a pedestrian using a zebra crossing only has priority if he steps onto the crossing before an approaching vehicle drives onto it.

In other words, a driver must always approach a zebra crossing slowly, so as to ensure that if a pedestrian steps onto it before the front wheels of the vehicle go onto the crossing, he can stop.

In France it is a criminal offence to carry a White stick unless you are on the equivalent of the blind or partially sighted registers. We do need to have such a rule in this country and it would certainly give legal status to the white cane.

In Sri Lanka we first celebrated International white Cane Day in the year 1969. Especially during the month of October we who are blind take part in various awareness programmes such as white cane distribution, marches, seminars etc. to promote the white cane as well as its user.

This year however, the main awareness programme will take place on Sunday, October 23, at the National Apprentice Board Auditorium, Katubedda. This programme will include the distribution of white canes as well as fun and entertainment for the participants. This project with Blind Citizens Front will be sponsored by Lions International Clubs of District 306A.

At this point we also have a message to all drivers. Please watch out for children and elderly pedestrians who may not be able to judge your speed and could step into the road in front of you.

Please watch out for blind and partially - sighted people who may be carrying white canes, and for people with other disabilities. Please give them plenty of time to cross the road. Do not assume that a pedestrian can hear your vehicle coming. They may have hearing difficulties.

Blind people need security, they need protection and they need your support to lead happy, useful and independent lives.

If we can convince you that a disability - including blindness - can occur to any person at any time, then you will realize that you have a moral obligation towards your fellow brothers and sisters who are less provided for. "To whom much is given, much is expected of them."

It is only through safeguarding the full rights of every human being - "I stress every human being" can "peace" be ensured at its very roots.

(The writer is President Blind Citizens Front)