White Cane Safety Day
October 15 is White Cane Safety Day, a day to recognize this important tool that empowers people with visual impairment to travel safely and independently. It also brings attention to the general public to be mindful of visually impaired neighbors, giving them additional consideration and right-of-way when needed. We sat down with Kellee Sanchez, an orientation and mobility specialist, to talk about the history of White Cane Safety Day, and how a white cane can help those with vision loss.
Hadley Presents
White Cane Safety Day
Presented by Ricky Enger
Ricky Enger: Welcome to Hadley Presents. I'm your host, Ricky Enger, inviting you to sit back, relax, and enjoy a conversation with the experts. In this episode, we discuss orientation and mobility, with a focus on White Cane Safety Day, and our expert is certified orientation and mobility specialist, Kellee Sanchez. Welcome to the show, Kellee.
Kellee Sanchez: Good morning, Ricky.
Ricky Enger: I'm so glad that you could join us today. It's always fun to talk to O&M specialists, and so why don't you just start out by telling us a little about who you are, and talk about how you became interested in doing what you do.
Kellee Sanchez: I have been an O&M, an orientation and mobility specialist for two years. I got my degree and certification from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and I became interested in O&M when my niece was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma. I think the fear, just the overwhelming dark cloud of, "Well, what if this happens? What if she loses all of her sight?" becomes real, "What are we going to do as her family?" And I started doing some research and this crazy idea of using a white cane came on to my Google and I looked into it and saw that it was called orientation and mobility, and I thought, "Well, this is something cool." I had been a teacher for 10 years. I taught eighth grade science, and whenever the sails went up, that's where the wind took me.
Ricky Enger: That's amazing, and I love that you actually have some direct experience with what it's like to have a family member who is going through that adjustment period and finding out about what it might be like to use a white cane, and there's a lot that goes into that. For some people, they're not quite ready for a white cane or the need for a guide dog or whatever mobility aid is that they ultimately end up using. Perhaps they're in the beginning stages of vision loss and they just feel like, "I don't really want this in my life. This isn't for me. Why do I have to do this?" Can you talk a little bit about why there might be that resistance and what are some things that you can do as an O&M specialist just to help with that adjustment?
Kellee Sanchez: That is something that I think most O&Ms deal with on a daily basis, with each of our new consumers, old consumers. I think a lot of it is just the stigma behind using a white cane. As a person with vision loss, there is nothing that tells you that you have a disability, and even our folks with low vision, because it's very difficult to promote a device that gives a statement, "I am blind," and I think people are very afraid of that word, blindness, because to some, it just means my whole world is gone. And part of O&M and vision rehab teachers are counselors, are advocates, I think our whole purpose is to ensure that with this disability, we are going to open more doors. And I think education is probably the most important piece of O&M, what the white cane does, what the white cane does not do, what our limitations are, but then how are those limitations, how are we going to change them to be opportunities? I think that's part of it, is being able to say, "Yeah, I mean it stinks, but we will get through it together."
Ricky Enger: Absolutely. I think that's so well put, just removing some of that stigma and removing some of the fear, because a lot of times it is the fear of the unknown and the fear of being seen as a weak or less than, and so having that support is just so important. What about families, though? Sometimes, thankfully if you are experiencing vision loss, you're not alone and perhaps you do have a support network, but sometimes families have ideas about things that may differ from yours or differ from what's ultimately best for you. Do families have resistance to cane use? What does some of that look like?
Kellee Sanchez: Absolutely. It's a very interesting dynamic, because whenever someone is blind, "Well they'll just move in with me and I'll take care of them." “No, we don't need your help. We can do everything ourselves.” “They don't need that white cane or that stick thing. I'm going to be with them. No matter where they go, I will be there," and part of overcoming that is listening, to listen first, because it's not only fear for the person who is blind or low vision, it's also fear for the family. What is the unknown? So listening to them and almost winning their confidence, because we see people who lose their sight. I work with adults, so they can be adventitiously blind as young as 22 and as old as 88, but no matter what, the need for life hasn't died, and winning the family members' thoughts of, "Let's don't dampen their joy, let's try to make it better," is probably the biggest battle.
Ricky Enger: That makes a lot of sense, and I love what you said about you can still show them that you love them, it's just going to take a different form, because there is that feeling of, "I want to take care of the person that I love," and sometimes taking care of them means being supportive in giving them the confidence to take care of themselves. So I think that it's important to keep those things in mind and just to be aware that you, as a family member, can still be very supportive of someone who is going through this and you can do that in a way that benefits both of you. Is there more than one reason ... we've talked about using a cane to keep from bumping into things, using a cane to remain safe and show cars, for instance, that maybe you can't see them so they should watch for you. Are there other reasons that a person might carry a cane, even if they feel relatively confident in their remaining vision?
Kellee Sanchez: With blindness or low vision, I think carrying a cane for different environments, different scenarios. Most people don't carry their white cane in their home, but they might carry their white cane in someone else's home, and for people with low vision, carrying an identification cane or a cane that is not an ID cane, but a regular red and white cane, for those circumstances. I think one of the important things, among other important things of an O&M, is understanding that we, as the O&M, are not the person with this disability. We are not the person who has to carry the cane or walk in their shoes. So being mindful that this is your journey, I'm just along for the ride. If you use your cane, great. If you don't use your cane, great. I'm going to be here no matter what. If they're on a Greyhound bus, then carrying their cane as identification so that the bus driver is aware that there is a person with low vision on the bus. The negative side of that is if you're carrying your cane when you get on the bus, but then you're not carrying your cane when you're off the bus, it gives people confusion and then asking questions, and then that becomes a whole other podcast.
Ricky Enger: You're absolutely right about that, and then of course there are times when carrying it can eliminate some of that confusion. If you're looking for a restroom, for example, and you're having a hard time reading the sign, sometimes having that cane will eliminate some of the awkwardness of why are you, as a man, staring at the woman's restroom?
Kellee Sanchez: Yes, I agree completely. So yes, there are pros and cons to everything. Pro, people know that you can't see things.
Ricky Enger: That's awesome. We are actually, at the time of this recording, approaching White Cane Safety Day. It's the thing that happens every year on October 15th, and I think that canes are worth celebrating all the time, but we actually have a day set aside for that. Can you talk a little about kind of the history of White Cane Safety Day? What is it? What do people do to celebrate? That kind of thing.
Kellee Sanchez: So there was a push by rehab state agencies and also organizations to really promote, and like you said, give awareness to the white cane and its importance. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a declaration saying that October 15th is White Cane Safety Day, and on this day, we are able to get together, as blind and low vision white cane users, guide dog users, professionals, advocates, and before that, we do a talk of why it's so important to use a white cane as a person who is blind and low vision, and things like getting the right of way of crossing streets or making sure that other people who are driving cars or in the stores are aware that this person is walking. They can't see you, so be aware of them. The White Cane Safety Day just kind of refuels, I think, O&Ms to continue to do our work and continue to do it with passion, but also gives a great spotlight to people who use the white cane to say, "You're cool, keep doing that."
Ricky Enger: And I know that ... I've participated in these sorts of celebrations in the past, and it's really a lot of fun, because people get together, they're displaying their mobility aid of choice, if they have one, there is talk about the importance of using that mobility aid, and it's just a really good time and good fellowship. Of course, things have changed quite a bit with COVID, and so how are we doing White Cane Safety Day this year? How have things changed, and what are you doing in your area? I know you can't speak to everywhere, but I think you're doing something virtual.
Kellee Sanchez: Yes. We have two actual virtual programs going on, one with the National Federation of the Blind in Alabama, and also Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind are also doing a virtual White Cane Day. I just got two invitations from both of those organizations, and the Department of Rehab, my agency, our goal is to gather up as many people as we can to say, "Log in at this time and follow the instructions." So it's a lot of we're apart, but together. I think that's probably been the mantra of 2020, so to login and be there and still get fueled, but also be safe.
Ricky Enger: Exactly, and I think that really is ... you're still capturing the most important part of this day, which is to come together and have that fellowship and be able to talk with and celebrate each other. Kellee, we've had a really great time with this interview and I hate to wrap it up, but we are approaching the end, and so as we do that, do you have any final thoughts of ... again, we're coming up on White Cane Safety Day, but just in general, do you have thoughts on what people can think about or reflect on as we approach October 15th every year and we start thinking about mobility aids? What should people just consider, for at least this one day a year?
Kellee Sanchez: Be empowered. Be empowered using your white cane. Be empowered having a guide dog. Be empowered because you are different. Blindness doesn't mean your life is over. Blindness means find a different way. You're at a dead end on this sidewalk, but there's an intersecting sidewalk, find it with your cane. And don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Oh man, I could go on, Ricky. I could go on forever, but I think overall, just be empowered to know that you're not alone and that you have a huge support system behind you to use your white cane without shame.
Ricky Enger: Excellent advice, Kellee. Thank you so very much for joining us. It's been a pleasure.
Kellee Sanchez: Thank you, Ricky. Have a great day.
Ricky Enger: Thanks for listening.
Got something to say? Share your thoughts about this episode of Hadley Presents, or make suggestions for future episodes. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at podcast@hadley.edu or leave us a message at (847) 784-2870. Thanks for listening.
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Episode 64
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Episode 58
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Episode 57
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Episode 56
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Episode 55
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Episode 54
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Episode 53
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Episode 52
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Episode 51
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Episode 50
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Episode 49
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Episode 48
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Episode 47
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Episode 46
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Episode 45
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Episode 44
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Episode 43
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Episode 42
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Episode 41
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Episode 40
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Episode 39
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Episode 38
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Episode 37
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Episode 36
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Episode 35
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Episode 34
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Episode 33
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Episode 32
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Episode 31
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Episode 30
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Episode 29
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Episode 28
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Episode 27
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Episode 26
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Episode 25
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Episode 24
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Episode 22
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Episode 21
Tracy Simon from Eye2Eye peer support program shares her story of vision loss, how her program works, and the benefits of connecting with and supporting each other.
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Episode 20
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Episode 19
Mindfulness expert Tiffany Guske returns to the podcast to share tips and insights on how to cope with life's challenges, such as vision loss or an illness, building resilience and focusing on self-compassion instead of judgment.
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Episode 18
Author of "When You Can't Believe Your Eyes," Hannah Fairbairn, chats with us about how to communicate in everyday situations when you can't rely on visual cues. Hear Hannah's own story about losing vision, her practical tips on adjusting to vision loss, and advice she has on regaining confidence in social situations.
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Episode 17
In this episode, we continue the conversation on living during the COVID-19 pandemic with a visual impairment. Listen in as we share some experiences, tips, and strategies for coping during these difficult times.
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Episode 16
The COVID-19 crisis has brought a wave of change and uncertainty to our everyday lives. Listen in as we share personal experiences, resources and some helpful tips...all from a blind or low vision perspective.
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Episode 15
Assistive technology experts Ricky Enger and Steve Kelley review BlindShell, a mobile phone built for those with visual impairment. They discuss the basic features, how it differs from a traditional smartphone, and how to decide if it's right for you.
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Episode 14
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Episode 13
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Episode 12
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Episode 11
Ricky sits down with Android Accessibility Product Manager Brian Kemler to discuss what is available on Android phones for those with visual impairment. From adjusting font size and color, or opting to listen with TalkBack instead, the commitment to making these powerful tools more useful to a wider audience is clear.
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Episode 10
In this episode, we chat with Gil Johnson, an experienced home repair and woodworking enthusiast about things to consider when undertaking home repair with blindness or low vision.
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Episode 9
Hadley's Debbie Good sits down to continue a conversation with author and visually impaired world traveler Dr. Wendy David. Together they explore a wide variety of helpful hints covering train, plane, and cruise travel as well as practical information on traveling internationally and navigating hotels.
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Episode 8
In this episode, Ricky Enger chats with Joe Strechay, associate producer on the Apple TV+ series SEE. The show takes place in a future where, after a viral apocalypse, all humans are blind. Joe takes us behind the scenes of the show and his work to help build an inclusive set for the cast and crew, including those with low to no vision. From casting to costumes, scripting to scenery, hear how Joe helped create a science fiction world that strives to be authentic to life with vision loss.
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Episode 7
Hadley's Debbie Good sits down with travel author Dr. Wendy David in this latest episode. In part one of this two-part interview, Debbie and Wendy discuss tips for traveling with confidence as a blind or low vision person, advice on picking destinations, considerations for traveling alone and in a group, and more!
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Episode 6
Ricky Enger is joined by Hadley's Debbie Worman and mindfulness expert Tiffany Guske in this latest episode. Debbie and Tiffany talk about what mindfulness is and the specific benefits that mindfulness can offer for those living with vision loss. Tiffany then walks listeners through a short mindfulness exercise.
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Episode 5
In this episode, Ricky Enger speaks with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, who shares the story of his sudden vision loss from NAION. Bruni speaks candidly on his adjustment to the change, maintaining a realistic attitude towards his vision loss, and the failure of medical professionals to provide resources after diagnosis.
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Episode 4
Listen in as we share practical tips on how to keep your handwriting readable. This resource-packed episode includes many useful techniques and solutions to common handwriting challenges. Hadley Learning Expert Jennifer Ottowitz chats with Sue Dalton, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.
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Episode 3
In this episode, Hadley's Steve Kelley speaks with Kendra Farrow, from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, located at Mississippi State. The episode serves as a guide for those new to vision rehabilitation, including determining who is eligible for services, key differences between the medical and social services models, and how to locate services in each state.
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Episode 2
In this episode, Ricky Enger chats with Microsoft's Jeremy Curry, a Senior Program Manager with the Windows Accessibility team. New vision accessibility features are now available in Windows 10 for low vision and screen reader users.
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Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of Hadley Presents, Ricky Enger and Jonathan Mosen of Aira chat about the ways in which a visual interpreter service, such as Aira, can be used to gain valuable visual information and enhance travel and leisure activities for blind and low vision users.