International White Cane Day

Thousands of blind and visually impaired are celebrating White Cane Day on Tuesday because for them the proper use of the white cane has brought a whole change in their lifestyle.

This simple device has given freedom to generations of blind persons and recognised its power as a means to allow blind people to leave the confines of their homes to the outside world - to go to school and work. It enables them to move through their communities with greater ease, confidence and safety.

International White Cane Day has since 1964 been celebrated annually around the world to honour the many achievements of the blind and visually impaired persons and to promote awareness of the rights to accessibility.

Despite many official statements, Malta has still to overcome many barriers that hinder the inclusion process of the blind and visually impaired.

It is a real pity that although our country boasts a centre of adult blind persons that has been established for over 40 years, that has been established for over 40 years, little has been done to help the blind in mobility training and in the particular use of the white cane.