United Blind Leaders celebrates White Cane Day

White Cane Day is on 15th October, highlighting how the cane supports independence for people who are blind or vision impaired. 

We asked our team and members what their white cane means to them. This is what they had to say. 

Link: https://share.icloud.com/photos/08ezs5elKRk8Nerm_pQcW1xmg

Transcript:

October 15th is White Cane Day. So we asked our team and members what their white cane means to them. Here’s what they had to say.

Quote 1:
“My cane gives me the freedom to walk my pet dogs around my neighbourhood.
The time is both relaxing and regenerating, allowing me to unwind, yet also develop new ideas in the fresh air with my trusty joy-bringing friends”
- Katie

Quote 2:
“Navigating the community is something most people take for granted.
For blind people hazards in the environment make it a far more complex task.
As in many other areas utilising our day-to-day experience usually provides the best solutions to such problems.
Just ask us, we've got this!”

- Graeme Innes AM

Quote 3:
“My white cane gives me the confidence to move through the world, and it signals to others that I’m capable and in control.
I used it to navigate airports and streets when I visited Brazil recently to present at the World Blindness Summit on blind leadership.
That first-hand experience is exactly what’s needed to shape truly accessible environments which support our contributions to workplaces, educational settings and recreational facilities.”

- Emma Bennison

Quote 4:
“I love my several white canes! Using a cane lets others know I am blind.
I used to be very self conscious but now I appreciate my blindness is part of my identity and that’s just fine with me.”

- Dr Pam MacNeill

Quote 5:
“My white cane is one of my closest best friends.  It isn't a sign of limitation. It’s a sign of independence.
My cane helps me to move through the community with confidence and freedom. Even when you have a guide dog, the cane is still an essential tool.
It’s not about what you can’t do. It’s about how you find your way.” 

- Narelle

Quote 6:
“Having a white cane is truly liberating. It explains depth of stairs in an instant. It brings understanding to others about why I can not navigate the same way they do.
I feel safer and empowered, giving greater certainty about what is ahead of me.” 

- Jennifer

Quote 7:
“My cane speaks for me.
When I use it like I mean business, everyone knows I mean business. I am taken seriously.
When I fold it without fuss and leave it on the meeting table it says I'm comfortable in my own skin.
When I fumble at the coffee table it silently invites help with dignity.
When I change without warning from sighted to blind with a flick snick snatch it startles stereotypes and starts conversations.
And when I wear it as casually as my shoes and hat, it says I'm just like you.”

- David Morell

Quote 8:
“Using my white cane reminds me of walking through the rocky hills of my Kurdistan home. Strong, independent, and guided by trust. It gives me the same courage here to travel to work and to take part in community life, knowing I can find my own path wherever I go.”

- Amir Brand-Abdi

Quote 9:
“I was initially reluctant to use my white cane. I was worried about public perception. Since I’ve embraced it, I’ve inadvertently embraced public kindness, given without judgment. The cane keeps me safe, and makes me feel confident and capable. Plus, since I’ve discovered fabulous coloured canes, I can be stylish too!”

- Jane Britt