White Cane Month: Recognizes the Blind and Visually Impaired Each October

October is White Cane Month. Each year, October is dedicated to reminding and educating the public about the white cane, used by the blind and visually impaired for independence and mobility. 

When a blind or visually impaired person is walking with a white cane, the law requires others to give the blind and visually impaired the right of way on sidewalks and street crossings. If a person is blocking the way, they should step aside so the cane user can get through. Legally, a motorist must stop to allow the blind and visually impaired person to cross. The idea of the white cane is to make the blind and visually impaired more independent in traveling and feeling more comfortable being out in society. 

The white cane is used to alert the user of what is in front of them such as curbs, bumps on sidewalks, walls and other people. The white cane also alerts other people of a blind or visually impaired person. The cane is also used the same way inside buildings to help the blind or visually impaired navigate freely.

George A. Bonham, a member of the Lion’s Club introduced the white cane in the United States in Peoria, IL in 1930. Since then, the white cane has been commonly used in many countries around the world to help blind and visually impaired people travel and to alert others of a persons disabilities. 

There are several different types of canes used around the world today. The two most common types of canes used by the blind and visually impaired are the long white cane and the folding cane. The long white cane cannot be folded up when the user is done with it. This cane must lean against the wall or lay on the floor and this can be hazardous in crowded areas. The folding cane can be folded when the user is not using it and is practical for crowded areas where space is limited.