UN, IFB mark White Cane Safety Day to promote independence for the blind
The United Nations, alongside the International Federation of the Blind, marked White Cane Safety Day on October 15, celebrating the independence, resilience, and achievements of people with visual impairments. The day’s theme, “Vision Beyond Sight: Celebrating Independence, Resilience, and Recognising Achievements of the Blind,” focused on the importance of access to assistive devices like white canes.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, praised the strength of individuals with visual impairments, noting the white cane as a symbol of freedom, mobility, and self-reliance. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s progress in disability rights, such as the Persons with Disabilities Bill and the National Assistive Technology Strategy, aiming to improve access to mobility aids and communication technologies.
However, Mr. Leornard Marange, the national director of the Federation of Organisations of Disabled People, emphasized that barriers like limited accessibility in transport and public spaces still restrict full participation for people with disabilities. Miss Jules Daudi, a teacher and director of the Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust, also spoke about the importance of white canes in ensuring independence and safety for the visually impaired.
