White Cane Safety Day

What the day is

White Cane Safety Day is observed on October 15. It recognizes the independence of blind and low vision people, and the white cane as the instrument of it. Congress authorized the observance in 1964 and President Johnson issued the first proclamation that year. It is also marked internationally as White Cane Day.

Origin and background

The cane is a genuine mobility technology rather than a symbol that happens to be useful. The long cane technique in wide use was developed after the Second World War, largely through work with blinded veterans, and it changed what independent travel was possible. Swept in an arc ahead of the walker, the cane reads the ground two steps before the feet arrive: curbs, steps, poles, holes, surface changes and obstacles all register through the tip.

Different canes do different jobs. A long cane is for travel and is sized to the user. An identification cane is shorter and lighter, carried by people with some usable vision to signal that they may not see an approaching hazard. A support cane bears weight as well.

The legal dimension is the part most sighted people miss. Most American states have white cane laws requiring drivers to yield to a pedestrian carrying a white cane or working with a guide dog, with penalties attached. The white color exists so that the cane is recognizable at a distance, which is precisely what makes those laws enforceable.

It is worth retiring the assumption behind much well-meaning help: blind people are overwhelmingly capable of getting where they are going, and being grabbed or steered without warning is disorienting and occasionally dangerous.

How to take part

• Ask before helping, and wait for an answer. If help is wanted, offer your arm rather than taking theirs.
• Speak directly to the person, not to whoever is with them.
• Do not touch or move the cane, and do not distract a guide dog in harness.
• Give directions in concrete terms: left, right, number of steps, rather than pointing and saying over there.
• Keep sidewalks clear. Parked scooters, advertising boards and bins are the daily obstacle course.
• If you drive, learn your state's white cane law.