ASB Hosts Public Outreach to Honor White Cane Safety Day
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 ----- Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB) held a public outreach at Liberty Place to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the white cane during the 47th annual National White Cane Safety Day on October 14th. The white cane is the universal tool used to identify someone who is blind or visually impaired as well as the most common mobility tool used.
A specially trained ASB mobility instructor showcased the basics of navigating urban terrain with a white cane and also answered questions from passersby. A member of the general public participated in the demonstration and received sensitivity training. He was guided around blindfolded to simulate how someone without sight would navigate through the busy city streets.
“Taking part in the mobility lesson really showed me the challenges that the visually impaired community face everyday,” said John Church, who volunteered to take part in a public mobility demonstration. “It really emphasized why the white cane and the training that ASB provides are such an important part of their lives.”
To those who use them, white canes serve as a key to safe and independent travel by revealing obstacles or changes in the path that are otherwise undetectable. Freedom in mobility opens up a world of opportunity for blind or visually impaired individuals, especially when the alternative can mean little or no travel at all outside the home.
“National White Cane Safety Day is as much for sighted individuals as it is for those who are blind or visually impaired because it’s a chance to learn something new about an object they likely see often,” said Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President and CEO. “ASB is offering experiential, hands-on learning, and that’s what makes this year’s event special. When people hold the cane and try to use it as an extension of themselves, as the primary guide for the road ahead…that’s when they really understand just how amazing this tool is.”
ASB is proud to share the celebration of National White Cane Safety Day with the community at large. Today, in the Delaware Valley, an estimated 130,000 residents are blind or visually impaired. Many of these individuals rely on a cane for travel and identification purposes, as do many of the over ten million people in the United States who identify as blind or visually impaired.
National White Cane Safety Day was enacted by a joint resolution of Congress, HR 753, in October of 1964. Since then, the prevalence of white canes has increased, giving the blind and visually impaired another important foothold in society. The image of a white cane is forever linked with the notion that disability truly can be turned into ability.
ASB is dedicated to helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired harness that ability and live full, productive lives. In the Rehabilitation Department, specially trained mobility instructors help clients regain self-confidence, independence, and self-determination by giving them comprehensive training in how to safely and effectively use a white cane and other tools for optimal mobility.
ASB is the largest non-profit organization of its kind in southeastern Pennsylvania, serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired through support in education, training and resources. A call to ASB can open the door to greater independence, self-esteem, and self-determination.
For more information on National White Cane Safety Day, please contact Brian Rusk at 215.627.0600, x3242 or brusk@asb.org.
Photo Caption: ASB mobility instructor Eric DeFiore (left), shows volunteer participant John Church the basics of navigating urban terrain with a white cane.
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