Every year on October 15 is White Cane Awareness Day, this day has been made known by The National Federation of the Blind. White canes are an important resource for blind individuals, though they navigate with an amplified sense of sound and touch, the white cane exists to help them feel things that their arms wouldn’t be able to reach. This is used as a safety tool helping them better explore and navigate their environments letting them know where obstacles are and if there is a step, they need to be aware of. It is important to remember that if help is needed, help will be asked for, the white cane is there to help give independence to those who are blind. Below are some more tips that you can keep in mind when meeting a blind person.
The National Federation of the Blind has set out “Courtesy Rules of Blindness”
(this has been taken from their website here: www.nfb.org)
Courtesy Rules of Blindness – I am a blind person. Please say hello and get to know me! I want people to feel comfortable around me. Here are some simple tips.
Cane – My cane (or guide dog) is my independent travel aid. If you think I might need help, please just ask me.
Ordinary – Blind people are ordinary. It feels awkward if you think I am amazing when I accomplish ordinary tasks like walking or tying my shoes. I also like ordinary things and have ordinary hobbies. It is okay to be amazed if I do something really exceptional.
Understand – I may not recognize your voice if I don’t know you well. Please say, “Hi, it is Sue.”
Remember – I may have some sight, but use nonvisual techniques and tools like a cane because it works best for me. Sometimes people think I am “faking” because I see a little, but I am just picking techniques that are most efficient and safe in light of my vision.
Talk – Please talk to me rather than a companion, and there is no need to speak up so just use your normal speaking voice and talk with me like you would with other people.
Experience – I probably have years of experience using nonvisual techniques to live my life. Feel free to ask me how I do something, or how best you can assist me, if help is needed.
See – It’s ok to still use words such as see and look. I will talk with you like everyone else, although I may not be able to make direct eye contact.
Yield – In all 50 states, the law requires drivers to yield the right of way when they see my extended white cane or guide dog. Only the blind may legally carry white canes. I listen to traffic patterns to know when to cross streets and to keep a straight line when moving around.
Thanks for reading about me. I look forward to getting to know you! For more information about the courtesy rules of blindness, gifts, bequests, programs for the blind, or other matters concerning blindness or the blind, contact the local chapter in your area or contact nfb