MESSAGE:
Knowledge about the existance and importance of a white cane for blind
persons mobility and identity will improve self-esteem life inclusion life
inclusion and minimise road accidents to the blind.

OBJECTIVE:
This article is intended to advocate to all people working for the welfare of
the blind to work towards creating awareness to the community about

THE WHITE CANE AND ITS IMPACT TO VIPs
INTRODUCTION:
A whitecane is a device which can save the blind perso in their mobility.
At the same time, it it can identify them to drivers and other road users.
Therefore, a whitecane can help a blind person to move freely and create
self confidance.

A white cane has been introduced many ceturies ago. It has proved
very useful for mbility as well as an identity blind persons.
There are evidences whch show the importance of white canes. In 1930
The Lions Club of Pioria Illinois, succeeded to convince the government
to announce the first law which legalised white cane as a traffic symbol.
This enabled the blind to move freely and be recognised by drivers and
Other road users.

PREVAILLING SITUATION IN TANZANIA ABOUT THE WHITE CANE AND
ITS RELEVANCE TO THE BLIND.
Formal introduction of white canes initially came in 1950 when the first school for the blind- Buigiri, Dodoma was built by missioneries. The use of white cane and its demmand kept increasing todate. The blind who were exposed to mobility training
Were not given access to white canes.

HONOURING THE WHITE CANE AND ENPOWERING THE BLIND AND VIPs
Whitecanes are useful mobility devices for the blind. They are used to detect obstacles
In pathways.Dtecting obstacles, helps the blind persson to get the right path or change direction inorder to have a safe travel.

Proper use of white canes depends upon using appropriate cane techiniques. This can only be acquired through trainig in hand grip, arch, rhythm, wrist movement etc.
Although white canes vary in size and types, the purpose of using them remain the same.

Since the need for training is crucial, the government and NGOs like Sight Savers
International, CCBRT, Tanzania Society for the Blind and others need to extend
Their alreadyinitiated programmes in rehabilitation so that they reach more needy
Irrevisibly blind person.
Local authorities and related NGOs can also subsdise by providing funds for facilitation
Of more CBR Workers who work vluntarily. These can also participate in conducting awareness seminars to:-
-the blind
-the law enforcement officers
-motor vehicle drivers
-and the community at large.

These seminars will focus on creating the understanding of the white cane and its potentialities.
It is through these seminars that the law e3nforcement officers and the parliament need to decide on the importance of using awhite cane symbol as a traffic sign and pass a relevant law.

Nevertheless, information about:-
-the white cane
-its relevancy to the blind persons’ mobility
-and its impact to a blind person’s daily life
willcontinuously be addressed for public understanding through:-
-leaflets
-bulletins
-TVT – wape nafasi programme

October 15th this year, Tanzania is going to celebrate the second year hnoring THE WORLD WHITE CANE DAY.

CONCLUSION:-Life inclusion includes equity in access to individual’s needs. The blind
Persons need white cane for their mobility inorder to be free in their
Movements. This will contribute to self-esteem and the ability to
make social interaction within the community.

It is therefor necessary for the community and those working for the
Welfare of the blind to have knowledge about:-
-the existance of white cane
-the importance for mobility and identity
-the im[portance of being used as a traffic sign
to minimise accidents.