On Thursday 15 October 2020, the World Blind Union (WBU) joins the rest of the world in observing White Cane Safety Day.

White Cane Safety Day reminds the world of the importance of the White Cane as a tool for independent living for persons who are blind and partially sighted.

As the world grapples with the impact of COVID-19, we take this opportunity to remind law and policy makers and all stakeholders involved to ensure that designing or redesigning proper infrastructure adheres to COVID-19 protocols, that universal design is considered and everyone is sensitised. It is necessary for all of us to adjust to the 'new normal' and in doing so, no one must be left behind.

For example, in our August 2020 report, AMPLIFYING VOICES: OUR LIVES, OUR Say, learning From COVID-19 through the experiences of blind and partially sighted persons across the world, one of the challenges highlighted by respondents is that new regulations such as queuing guidelines and distancing markers fail to take in to consideration accessibility features for persons who are blind or partially sighted. One respondent stated that, "These markers are not tactile so I cannot feel them with my long cane and my dog does not know to seek these markers out."

In our quest to manage COVID-19 and its impact, states parties must not forget their obligations enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), more specifically, Article 9 which requires countries to identify and eliminate obstacles and barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities can access their environment, transportation, and public facilities and Article 19 which states that persons with disabilities must be able to live independently, to be included in the community. In addition, Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stresses the importance of making cities and human settlements inclusive and safe for all. It is necessary that countries strive to achieve this goal as universal access will eliminate some of the challenges currently experienced by blind and partially sighted users of white canes.

As we commemorate the White Cane Day, it is our hope that policy makers recognize the importance of the right of blind and partially sighted persons to travel independently and safely in a universally accessible environment, and the use of the white cane, and that persons who are blind and partially sighted understand the value of having and using the white cane and keeping it sanitised for the safety of all.

More tips on orientation and mobility, personal safety in time of COVID-19 are available at WBU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=635697946986957&extid=HbWXHJczq4BZgewi

For further information, please contact:

Terry Mutuku

Communications and Strategic Development Officer

World Blind Union

[email protected]

www.worldblindunion.org