Dear Editor,
October 15th is International White Cane Day. It is a day that is celebrated around the world and, to me, it is a day that is incredibly important.
My name is Suzy and I have a white cane that is actually black, yellow and red.
I am a proud Ngemba woman of North West NSW, and I was born and raised on Dharug country. I work for Vision Australia as an Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander, Community Engagement Worker and I also have low vision.
I asked Vision Australia for a white cane to be made in the colours of the Aboriginal Flag so I can demonstrate its use when I visit different groups in Newcastle and the Hunter.
I tell the groups how a long cane gives important information about the users surroundings. For example, it can detect changes in the road surface such as a kerb or tactile markers at crossings.
Vision Australia’s Orientation and Mobility specialists work with people with low vision or blindness to teach correct cane use and how to pick up the subtle information conveyed.
I have some sight, so I don’t use a long cane but sometimes, when I’m travelling in unfamiliar areas, I will take a shorter cane with me. It is called an identity cane and it tells the rest of the community, that while I can see, I can’t see well.
This white cane day I would like people in Newcastle and The Hunter to take a moment to become more aware of the white cane (and its coloured versions) and its significance to people, like me, who are blind or have low vision.
Visit www.visionaustralia.org to learn more.
Yours sincerely,
Suzy Trindall-Engert, Beresfield
Letter to the Editor Suzy