Media celebrities and other high profile people stepped into the shoes of a person with vision impairment on International White Cane Day, Saturday 15 October.
Many people associate guide dogs with blindness, but few realise it is the white cane that is the most widely used mobility aid among those with impaired vision. Thanks to the development and evolution of the
cane people with impaired vision lead full, active lives.
Sydney’s Simone Cottom lost her sight when she was 38 years old due to meningitis and a stroke. Being taught how to use a cane not only gave her back her life, but also the self-confidence to try out for the Paralympics.
“When I lost my sight, my world was shattered. But thanks to instructors from Guide Dogs teaching me how to use a cane to get around on my own, I’ve regained the confidence to ski again and am in the process of trying out for the Paralympics. My experience has taught me anything is possible,” said Simone.
