A group of blind and visually impaired Barbadians will take to Bridgetown tomorrow, Tuesday, October 22, to commemorate White Cane Safety Day, which was observed globally on Tuesday, October 15.

President of the Senate, Senator Kerry-Ann Ifill, will be among those who will be traversing The City with their white canes to conduct business at a number of establishments. They will also be distributing fliers on the importance of the cane and its usefulness.

The group will meet at the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal at 11:00 a.m. They will then proceed to the Royal Bank of Canada and Scotia Bank, both located on Broad Street. Additionally, some of them will be attending Parliament (in the visitors??? gallery), while others will travel through Swan Street, The City.

White Cane Safety Day was declared a national observance in the United States of America in 1964. The white cane is synonymous with blindness and is used as a symbol of independence. The day is set aside to honour the achievements of persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Senator Ifill said tomorrow???s activity was being staged to sensitise the public about the importance of the white cane.

???Far too often, Barbadians either ignore the cane when persons are travelling or underestimate the level of independence one can achieve in using the tool. Several newly blind persons are often given ???canes??? by well-intending friends and family members that do not meet the necessary requirements,??? she said.

melissa.rollock@barbados.gov.bb

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