Two thirds of people who use a white cane have been grabbed or handled by a member of the public even though they did not ask for help, according to a Guide Dogs Australia survey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This statistic has inspired this year’s International Cane Day motto, which encourages people to ask if those with a cane need assistance before helping them.
VisAbility and Guide Dogs Tasmania reminded the community what they ‘Cane Do’ to lend a helping hand; just ask first.
Monday, October 15 marks International Cane Day.
New research from two different surveys has revealed an over-eager Australian public misunderstand how to best assist people who are blind or who have vision loss.
About 70 per cent of people who use white canes also reported that people talked to their sighted companions instead of them directly when out in the community.
This is despite YouGov research that shows about 74 per cent of the Australian public feel confident they could provide appropriate assistance to a person with a white cane in the street.
In response, Guide Dogs Australia is launching the Cane Do community awareness campaign, reminding members of the community what they ‘cane do’ to help people with a white cane navigate public spaces in a safe and independent way.
VisAbility client Rob Whyte, from Launceston, has experienced members of the public grabbing his hand or wrist to help steer him in the perceived “correct” direction.
“If someone just comes along and grabs it startles you and they are assuming that they know where you are going,” he said.
“Occasionally you are helped across the road and you don’t even want to get there. You then have to find your way back.”
While he appreciates the gesture of help from members of the public, he asks that they remember to be courteous and considerate first.
“The Best way for someone to assist is to be asked what they need and how they can help you,” My Whyte said.
The Cane Do campaign is not only about the best way the public can assist people with vision loss navigate their community safely and independently, Cane Do and International White Cane Day are also an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of the white cane and how it can aid the mobility and independence of a person with vision loss.
While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up here.
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
