National White Cane Safety Day
Editor:
Harita Abraham
Harita is a third-year medical student at the Kansas City University College of Medicine, currently serving as a pediatric glaucoma research fellow at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute - University of Miami.
Approximately 285 million people around the globe are visually impaired [1]. Those with severe visual impairment are at a greater risk of experiencing falls. To help prevent such incidents, the white cane has proven to be a simple, yet, essential tool. October 15th is National White Cane Safety Day, a day aimed at raising awareness of the white cane's significance for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In 1963, the National Federation of the Blind called upon the governors of all fifty states to proclaim October 15th as White Cane Safety Day [2,3]. On this day, various activities and ceremonies were organized across the nation to educate the public about the importance of the white cane as a vital tool for independence and mobility among low-vision individuals. Moreover, it encouraged communities at wide to be more inclusive and supportive of those who had low-vision or were blind. As of 1964, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, October 15th officially became White Cane Safety Day. In 2011, President Barack Obama also proclaimed October 15th as Blind Americans Equality Day [4].
DIFFERENT TYPES OF WHITE CANE
There are several types of white canes designed for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, each serving a specific purpose [5].
The standard white cane is primarily used for mobility and safety, allowing users to detect obstacles and changes in walking surfaces.
Folding canes are designed for portability, collapsing into smaller sections for easy storage when not in use.
There are also support canes, which provide additional stability and assistance while walking but are not designed for weight-bearing.
Another type, the long cane, extends further to help identify obstacles at a distance, making it ideal for navigating unfamiliar environments. It reaches from the floor to the user’s sternum.
Additionally, some canes are equipped with technology, such as ultrasonic sensors or smart features, to enhance spatial awareness and provide more information about the surroundings [6].
Each type of cane meets the varying needs of users, reflecting the diversity within the community of individuals with vision impairments.
WHAT DO THE COLORS IN A WHITE CANE MEAN?
Each color serves as a communication tool, conveying essential information to the public about the user's visual capabilities and needs [5]. This system not only promotes awareness but also fosters an environment of respect and understanding in public spaces.
Typically, a pure white cane indicates blindness
A white cane with a red band signifies someone who is both visually impaired and has additional disabilities.
A yellow or bright-colored cane may symbolize the independence of individuals who have low vision, making them more visible to others.
BARRIERS
One significant challenge is the misconception that it solely serves as a mobility aid, leading to a lack of awareness regarding its symbolic importance in representing independence and accessibility. Additionally, some environments remain unfriendly to cane users, featuring obstacles such as poorly designed sidewalks or inadequate public transportation options. Socially, individuals may face stigma or lack of understanding from the public, which can further isolate them and hinder their mobility. The stigma associated with the white cane often stems from societal misconceptions about blindness and visual impairments. Many people mistakenly associate the white cane solely with the inability to see, leading to assumptions about a person's capabilities and independence.
HOW CAN THE PUBLIC HELP?
There are a few things you can do to support those who utilize the white cane in their daily navigation of the world around them.
First, educate yourself and show consideration. If you see an individual with a white cane, give them the appropriate space and the right of way. Do not distract their service animal if they are accompanied with one. Drivers and cyclists must give white cane users the right of way and follow the law. Click here for additional tips on the courtesy rules for interacting with individuals who are blind or visually impaired [7].
You can also be an advocate by supporting policies that promote accessibility and inclusion for people with visual impairments. The National Federation of the Blind has a list of legislative priorities on its website that are quick and easy to become familiar with [7]. Connect patients, friends, and loved ones with resources.
For example, the National Federation of the Blind has a Free White Cane Program that would be good to refer individuals to [8].
Click here for additional fun facts about the white cane [9]!
ADVOCACY AS A RESIDENT PHYSICIAN
Resident ophthalmologists can play a crucial role in promoting white cane safety by providing education on vision impairment and its implications for mobility. They can:
Conduct workshops to teach individuals with visual impairments how to effectively use their canes and navigate safely in various environments.
Additionally, they can advocate for better community awareness and support, helping local businesses and public spaces become more accessible.
Through comprehensive training and collaboration with organizations that support the blind and visually impaired, resident ophthalmologists can help reduce the risks associated with mobility challenges and enhance the overall safety of cane users.
CONCLUSION
No matter the stage in ophthalmic training, advocacy can always take place outside of the exam room or operating room. Advocacy does not always need to be big gestures of policy or demonstration. Advocating for patients can be as simple as being aware of something like the white cane because of its significance in the lives of your patients.
References
1. Rizzo JR, Conti K, Thomas T, Hudson TE, Wall Emerson R, Kim DS. A new primary mobility tool for the visually impaired: a white cane-adaptive mobility device hybrid. *Assist Technol*. 2018;30(5):219-225. doi:10.1080/10400435.2017.1312634. Epub 2017 May 16. PMID: 28506151; PMCID: PMC6019536.
2. Maurer M. White Cane Safety Day: A symbol of independence. National Federation of the Blind. https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr02/issue5/f020509.html
3. Legal Information Institute. 36 U.S. Code §142 - White Cane Safety Day. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/142
4. National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Proclamation--Blind Americans Equality Day, 2011. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/14/presidential-proclamation-blind-americans-equality-day-2011
5. Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. What are the different types of white canes? Published August 14, 2020. https://www.cabvi.org/articles/what-are-the-different-types-of-white-canes/
6. Myers A. Stanford researchers build $400 self-navigating smart cane. Stanford HAI. Published October 13, 2021. https://hai.stanford.edu/news/stanford-researchers-build-400-self-navigating-smart-cane
7. National Federation of the Blind. Advocacy. https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy
8. National Federation of the Blind. Free White Cane Program. https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program
9. Perkins School for the Blind. 10 fascinating facts about the white cane. Published June 28, 2024. https://www.perkins.org/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-white-cane/
