Hi Irene
My cane is red-white & regardless of the colours I tend to find sighted
people don't know what the colours represent & many don't even look where
they are going & still crash into me. In the city these days I have a carer,
guide dog & use the cane in my spare hand as I get so annoyed at i-phone
zombies crashing into me.
I believe
1. We need to have an education campaign as to cane etiquette - the way
we use (or should use), why we use, & the understanding of how it assists
our mobility. I say this as some cane users are not ambassadorial to the
general public's appreciation. I don't say this to put people down, but some
users have quite bazaar styles & gain derogatory comments from the public
which is distressing. This would also assist in getting the message across
as to shore-lining & the problem of street furniture placed inappropriately.
The BCA White cane policy is poorly understood & I often attach when
advocating as to specific issues that crop up.
2. Once this is taken care of then colour coding can be addressed.
3. I have contacted a few councils close to International white cane
day to see if this can be a catalyst to assist their environment planners
better understand& maybe even try to navigate with one but over 5 years I
have had zero response.
Dr David Squirrell Retired Medical Consultant
* Blind Citizens Australia (Adelaide Branch) President
* BCA National Policy development Committee
* DeafBlind Australia National Board member