ISLAMABAD, Oct 14: The International White Cane Safety Day is being celebrated on Monday to highlight visually-impaired people's achievements and to remind people how white cane can play an important role in helping these persons with independence.
The white cane is perceived by many as a symbol of visual impairment and it provides them greater mobility.
In Pakistan, the day is organised to create public awareness regarding problems faced by visually-impaired persons.In this regard, a special programme for visually-impaired children will be held at Al-Maktoom Special Education Centre at 11am on Monday.
Federal Minister for Capital Administration and Development Nazar Mohammad Gondal will be the chief guest on the occasion.
Welfare and civil society organisations will hold walks, seminars and special functions to celebrate the day and address the challenges faced by the visually impaired persons.
The first of the state laws regarding the right of blind people to travel independently with the white cane was passed in 1930 in United States. It granted the visually-impaired pedestrians protection and the right-of-way.
In 1963, the National Federation of the Blind sought to proclaim October 15 of each year as the White Cane Safety Day. At the time, only a few people achieved enough independence to travel alone on busy highways. The United States Congress, by joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964, designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day.Many visually impaired people, including famous musicians and writers, have made major positive contributions. Many have also used a white cane to help them succeed at educational institutions, work environments and their homes — APP.
In a message, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said the day reminds us of the rights of the visually-handicapped and impaired people and our responsibilities towards them. On this day, we pledge our support to the well-being and welfare of these people, says a press release.
The most befitting manner to observe this day is to spread awareness about the rights and needs of the visually-handicapped and sensitise society at large about their problems by demonstrating a humane attitude.
White cane is not only a symbol of the visually impaired but also a tool for independent mobility. These special people have the same capabilities and potential like other normal counterparts.