26.02.2018
The White Cane, which forms the most important part of the independent movement, is an independence and security symbol for the visually impaired. In 1921, a London-based photographer who became blind after a traffic accident, started to walk around and painted his cane in order to make those around aware that he was blind and to draw attention. For this purpose, it is celebrated every year in the world between 7th and 14th January as the White Cane Week.
White Cane for the visually impaired is like a guiding friend in all circumstances who is difficult to be adopted when used in the beginning then impossible to leave after adoption. The white cane does not make anyone look like "blind" but rather makes a "blind" look like a self-confident person. Hence, in the visually impaired, who gain the ability to walk alone; motor skills develop, body organs become healthier, self-confidence emanates, and social life is more involved.
Training to be given to the visually impaired is extremely important for the use and prevalence of the white cane. During training, it is explained what the cane is doing and taught which tips are hand held and ground touching. The cane is held with one hand and it is instructed that the arm will be in the waist line while the hand will be moved. The cane is moved by striking twist and turn, not constantly in the same direction, while being careful in not exceeding 5 cm of the body alignment. At each step, the cane is hit once, when step to the left, hit to the right, when step to the right, hit to the left. The cane upskills with sound to follow someone walking ahead, and recognize the obstacles around by taking advantage of the reverberant sounds extracted. Neither slow nor fast walk has advantages while using the cane. Walking very slowly makes distance concept and utilization ability of sounds and signs difficult. Walking too fast will cause not to be able to stop immediately when an obstacle is noticed, thus will increase the number of accidents such as crashes and falls.
Visually impaired is just like everyone else. Today, the main goal of the visually impaired in our country is to have equal rights and opportunities for all, to integrate with society, and to have the conditions to be independent and free while continuing their daily lives. For this reason, in order them to be independent and free in their daily lives, a "Training for Independent Life in Traffic" to Istanbul-based visually impaired people is given by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Directorate of Traffic. It is aimed that the visually impaired people can participate in an unsupported-and-social life with the training of White Cane given at Topkapı Traffic Education Park which is free from traffic.
It is not a dream to minimize the limited independent movement of the visual impaired. It should not be forgotten that being aware of the White Cane movement is a sign of the value given to human beings.
