Walk aims to raise awareness for visually impaired
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Department of Labor’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired is promoting awareness of the white cane, a tool used by people with visual impairment to safely navigate foot travel, with White Cane Awareness Day on Saturday, Oct. 15.
In Presque Isle, a community White Cane Awareness Walk will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, beginning at Wilder’s Jewelry Store on Main St. The local event is one of several being held around the state on that day.
“White Cane Awareness Day helps educate the public about how the cane is used,” said Maine Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. “In addition to warning the visually impaired person about obstacles and changes in the level of the walking surface, the cane makes others, especially drivers, aware that the user may not see them. Using the cane enables a visually impaired person to be independent and self-reliant.”
A person with blindness or low vision extends a white cane, sometimes with red markings, in front of the body; the cane signifies that the user cannot see well. Although long perceived as a tool of people with total blindness, in fact only a small number of people using the cane see nothing. Most people have some degree of vision, although they may not have enough to walk about safely.
People who experience a vision loss receive specialized training in using a white cane and may spend many hours learning how to navigate their home town, including crossing streets safely and using public transit. However, as proficient as a user may be with independent travel skills, vehicles and traffic present significant concerns and risk.
Drivers who fail to yield to a person using a white cane may face fines. Maine’s white cane law states, “Failure to yield the right of way to a visually impaired pedestrian commits a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000.”
Other walks are planned Saturday in Dover-Foxcroft, Bangor, Augusta and Portland.
For more information, contact the bureau at (207) 623-6799 or visit www.maine.gov/rehab/dbvi.
