Walking with Purpose: International White Cane Day

Ordering off a menu, catching public transport and scrolling social media are all regular tasks that the average person takes for granted, but for those living with low vision or blindness – navigating these simple actions can be extremely challenging.

With an estimated 575,000 Australians currently living with low vision or blindness, tools such as the white cane can aid in providing people with mobility and independence to safely live their lives to the fullest. In fact, there are 5,502 white cane users across the Sunshine State, including 338 who are under the age of 18. Over the past 20 years, Guide Dogs Queensland has assisted over 6,500people in familiarising themselves with the globally recognised mobility aid.

Listen to full interview in the player above. 

This International White Cane Day (15 October), Guide Dogs Queensland is breaking down vision impairment misconceptions in order to highlight the true challenges that Aussies living with low vision or blindness face. For more information, head to qld.guidedogs.com.au.