White Cane Awareness Day celebrated across West Virginia

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

White Cane Awareness Day events across West Virginia celebrated the independence and achievements of blind and visually impaired people.

White Cane Awareness Day was celebrated across West Virginia on Thursday with events recognising the independence and achievements of blind and visually impaired people.

At Marshall University in Huntington, students participated in a visually impaired obstacle course where they used white canes, or mobility canes, to navigate while also training to be human guides for those who are visually impaired. Organisers said they wanted people to understand that accessibility is important and to show more grace and understanding for those with impairments. The exercise was part of Marshall's broader efforts to make its campus more accessible for both students and visitors.

In Beckley, blind and visually impaired residents gathered for an event with several booths. Garrett Harris of Beckley displayed Braille tools, including a block he had built himself as a confidence-building exercise. Karen Mann, with the Oak Hill Lions Club, said most people have misconceptions about blindness, noting that eighty-five per cent of visually impaired people worldwide have some degree of remaining sight. Mann, who began losing her vision to glaucoma at age 49, takes a watercolor class and is learning pottery, and uses her white cane as an example to show that blindness does not prevent people from pursuing activities.

How it is being reported

• Beckley event marks White Cane Awareness DayBlind and visually impaired residents gathered in Beckley for White Cane Awareness Day, an event recognizing the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired.WVVA · 15 Oct, 23:23
• White Cane Awareness DayThursday is White Cane Awareness Day, a day that celebrates achievements of those who are blind or visually impaired.WSAZ · 15 Oct, 22:10

In this story: Marshall University · Huntington · Beckley · Garrett Harris · Karen Mann · Oak Hill Lions Club

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