Eye Care Walk

INTERNATIONAL WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY

International White Cane Safety Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on 15 October since 1964. On this day we laud the achievements of persons with visual impairments and the white cane as a symbol for blindness and a tool of independence.

International World Sight Day falls on the 2^nd Thursday in October every year, raising awareness of blindness and visual impairment. This year it will be celebrated on 11 October 2018.

October is also known as Eye Care Awareness Month, during which the Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness, our eye-care division, embark on cataract blitzes in various provinces, to restore sight.

The South African National Council for the Blind, representing South Africans with visual impairments, would like to celebrate these important dates on their calendar, by hosting a 5km walk. Sighted participants will be encouraged to wear their blindfolds, for the duration of the walk, whilst being lead by a visually impaired person, using a white cane.

The event is aimed at increasing awareness of the meaning of the white cane to visually impaired (blind and partially sighted) persons and to remind road users to yield the right of way to visually impaired persons in the community.

We also aim to equip every visually impaired participant with a white cane, to help them on their road to independence.

2.     THE WHITE CANE

The Ambutech Folding White Cane is the model mostly sold by the Resource Centre of the SANCB, and it is SABS approved.

2.1   Features

·        It is imported from Canada;

·        It is made by a trusted, brand-name, North-American manufacturer;

·        It is built to last for kilometers of travel;

·        The black rubber golf grip is comfortable to hold;

·        The cane is made of heavy-gage aluminum;

·        Its sturdy joint design provides superior tactile transmission; and

·        The double-elastic assembly method ensures added durability.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2.2   Cost Cost of a White Cane

The current cost is R400.00 per cane. It is unfortunately not a fixed price,

as this product is imported and the dollar/rand exchange rate on the date

of order, influences the cost.

3.     WHAT IS ORIENTATION & MOBILITY

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is a profession specific to blindness and low vision that teaches safe, efficient, and effective travel skills to people of all ages.

·        "Orientation" refers to the ability to know where you are and where you want to go, whether you're moving from one room to another or walking around town for a shopping trip.

·        "Mobility" refers to the ability to move safely, efficiently, and effectively from one place to another, such as being able to walk without tripping or falling, cross streets, and use public transportation