Promoting inclusion: Celebrating abilities and advocating access for people
White Cane Awareness Day
The white cane, as we know it today, emerged in the early 20th century as a symbol of independence for blind people. In 1921, James Biggs, a photographer from the United Kingdom who became blind after an accident, painted his cane white to make himself more visible to traffic. This simple innovation paved the way for greater mobility, leading to the formal introduction of the white cane as a mobility tool. United States Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1964 designating October 15th of each year as White Cane Safety Day. According to WHO approximately 2.2 billion people are blind or visually impaired, the white cane is an essential tool that gives the ability to achieve a full and independent life. It allows one to move freely and safely from place to place.
There are several types of white canes designed to meet different mobility needs of people who are visually impaired. The long cane is the most common, used to detect obstacles and changes in ground level by extending a few feet ahead of the user. The support cane offers both mobility and physical stability, helping those who need assistance with balance. A guide cane is shorter and used to identify nearby obstacles, while a symbol cane is quite short and not designed to touch the ground as its function is specifically to illustrate someone’s sight loss. A white cane with two red stripes indicates a dual disability – deafblindness (hearing and sight loss). Some people may use a white walking stick to show they have sight loss, alongside or instead of a cane.
Users sweep the cane in front of them, and when it encounters an obstacle or change in elevation, the feedback travels through the cane, alerting them. This allows them to identify hazards, such as steps or curbs, and find clear paths for safe movement. Watch this video of Gisèle teaching her colleagues in Cameroon on how to use a white cane. Technology continues to play a transformative role in improving mobility and access for people with visual impairments. GPS-enabled navigation apps, screen readers, and even smart canes that use ultrasonic sensors are helping to further enhance independence. These innovations complement the traditional white cane, making it easier for individuals to interact with their environments in real-time.
Globally, there’s a lack of access to assistive products also referred to as assistive technology that supports children with disabilities, these products are crucial to help children participate in society. UNICEF has committed to addressing this issue as part of the AT2030 programme. In collaboration with WHO, UNICEF will introduce various assistive technology products into the global supply catalogue, specifically focusing on vision-related products. The goal of this project is to increase the availability and affordability of optimal vision products and services in low- and middle-income countries by establishing Long Term Arrangements (LTAs) with qualified suppliers. These suppliers will deliver vision products and accessories for UNICEF, WHO, governments, and other UN agencies over the coming years. Countries like Rwanda and Mozambique have already procured white canes for children to navigate the school as they learn.
White cane etiquette is essential to ensure respectful interactions with people who are blind or visually impaired. First and foremost, never grab or pull on a person's white cane, as it is an extension of their body that helps them navigate their surroundings. If you believe someone may need help, always ask before offering assistance rather than assuming they require it. When approaching, clearly introduce yourself so the person knows who you are and can decide whether they want assistance. If they do ask for help, provide clear and specific descriptions of the environment, such as mentioning curbs, stairs, or obstacles.
Respecting their independence is crucial; over-helping or rushing them can take away their autonomy. When giving directions, use specific terms like “left,” “right,” or “straight ahead,” instead of pointing or using vague phrases. If the individual is using a guide dog rather than a cane, remember not to distract or pet the dog, as it is working. Lastly, be mindful of personal space by not standing too close or blocking the path.
To learn more about the white cane and people with visual impairment and blindness visit, Perkins, International Agency for the Preventation of Blindness, World Blind Union and National Federation of the Blind.
