White Cane Awareness Events are held annually, in several parts of the country, to educate the public and to keep walkers safe. Our Lighthouse began hosting its annual White Cane Awareness Day Walk for Independence in 2008. White Cane Awareness Day Walks for Independence provide an opportunity for the Lighthouse, our clients and the community to come together to celebrate the independence gained by those who use white canes and guide dogs. The event is especially helpful for teaching the public about the abilities of persons who are visually impaired and blind.
The white cane is the universal symbol for blindness or visual impairment. It is a common misconception that the white cane is only used by those who are totally blind. However, the white cane is also used by individuals who may have a small amount of vision remaining. Everyday, millions of Americans who are blind or visually impaired use a white cane (or dog guide) to get to work, school, shop and travel. White cane training, also called Orientation & Mobility training is available at the Lighthouse for residents of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
Some white canes are long, and help give the person who is blind or visually impaired information about the environment they are traveling through. The long white cane can help the person find obstacles that may be in their way, or warn them when they are approaching a curb. Other white canes are short, and serve as a signal to others that the cane user is visually impaired.
Dog guides are specially trained dogs that lead blind or visually impaired travelers around obstacles and assist with street crossings. A blind or visually impaired individual who uses a dog guide for mobility is called a “handler.” Handlers have received extensive training on how to direct the dog to get from one place to another. The job of the handler is to give the dog guide commands and the job of the dog guide is to safely get the pair to their destination.
Each state has laws that pertain to pedestrians with white canes or dog guides. In Florida, the law states that drivers must come to a full stop when there is a pedestrian using a white cane or a dog guide while crossing, or attempting to cross a public street or highway. For the safety of individuals who are visually impaired, please be aware of and on the lookout for individuals using the cane or dog guide. As a user of a white cane or dog, please proceed with caution.
Learn about White Cane training at the Lighthouse.
