On October 15, we celebrate National White Cane Safety Day, or as I call it more plainly, White Cane Day. So, you might remember that the nickname for my long white cane is "Slim," as I have written about him on the AFB Blog and FamilyConnect Blog in past years. That's right: I am 35 years old, and have a nickname for my long white cane. You know, my white cane and I travel the country, and I depend on this tool to protect me in many environments. No, I am not a member of Seal Team Six, I am a person who is blind or visually impaired, and I have been trained by professionals to use my cane as a tool to help me navigate through my environment safely and efficiently.
There is no doubt I depend on the use of Slim, and he has the scratches and scuff marks to prove it. I have gone through a number of versions of Slim over the years. I have stories of canes breaking while hiking with friends on trails on the "Road to Hana" path to an infinity pool. (I won't tell you what happened at the infinity pool; that story stays between myself, Slim, and some great friends.) I have lost canes while canoeing and capsizing in side streams around some nice alligators in Tallahassee. You could say Slim and I have had a few adventures.
I just want you to know that I am extremely passionate about my cane, and the use of the long white cane as a person who is blind or visually impaired. On October 15, I might have to buy Slim a cupcake (then eat it myself because Slim doesn't eat much, though he gets plenty of exercise).
AFB has a special appreciation for White Cane Day, as AFB Press produces the majority of textbooks utilized by the professional preparation programs around the United States and the World – check out this list of texts covering Orientation and Mobility. I was lucky enough to use AFB's textbooks while doing my graduate work at Florida State University (Go 'Noles!). The products produced by AFB Press help to train quality professionals that provide people like me with necessary skills to be independent. The impact of these products is limitless, they continue to be used and referenced in research. I know these textbooks were a foundation for my education.
In my eyes, AFB has a lot to celebrate around White Cane Day. Slim and I will strut our stuff in honor of the day!
Long white cane photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
