Please stop doing this to white cane users
About two thirds of people who use white canes have been grabbed or handled by a member of the public even though they didn’t ask for help, according to survey by Guide Dogs Australia.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Ex Channel 7 exec reveals how network caught him paying his own companies $8m
- Grim recession warning over Labor’s negative gearing changes
It’s a concerning statistic: 64 per cent of people who use white canes have been grabbed or handled by a member of the public even though they didn’t ask for help, according to survey by Guide Dogs Australia.
That’s despite the fact YouGov research shows most Australians believe the best way to assist someone with sight loss is to ask them first.
So why isn’t this happening?
While most of the time people are well intentioned, there’s a disconnect between knowledge and actions of the public and Guide Dogs Australia is urging people to always speak to a cane user before physically touching them.
“Perhaps these misunderstandings occur because many Australians do not understand how and why a white cane is used. They may also not know what to do after they ask the person with sight loss if they need help,” said Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
Misunderstanding in the community about white canes was also illustrated by some of the stranger questions Guide Dogs clients have been asked over the years.
“Clients have told us their canes have been mistaken for weapons, metal detectors, fishing rods and even golf sticks,” said Mr Cleaver.
While it’s often well intended, Rebecca Wong, 25, who uses a white cane, says being grabbed or ‘assisted’ by a stranger can be extremely disorientating and even dangerous.
She regularly experiences members of the public grabbing or pushing her without her permission when out in the community with her white cane or when catching public transport.
A white cane is a mobility aid that allows someone with sight loss to navigate the path in front of them by feeling and detecting obstacles, changes in surfaces or the height of the ground, and allow them to negotiate crowded areas.
“I know most people are trying to be well-meaning, but they don’t realise that they might actually be making it harder for me to navigate public spaces, or even simply putting me in an awkward situation,” Ms Wong said.
“The problem when someone grabs you without asking first is — not only an invasion of space — but that it causes confusion and disorientation.
“What people don’t realise is that if they take you even two or three metres from where you’re familiar with, that can really mess you up in terms of knowing where you’re going because you’ve lost all the cues that you use.”
Ms Wong, who is a research and court assistant for a judge, has been blind since birth and began using a cane in kindergarten.
“I have certainly had my fair share of people trying to help me without asking me first, or talking to my companions instead of me directly,” she said.
“Sometimes we do need help because the environment does change, people are unpredictable and obstacles do pop up, like with construction.
“It’s just communication that’s key. If there’s an obstacle, or a car’s about to run a red light, tell the person that.”
Mr Cleaver said the best way to help a white cane user was to ask them first.
“Always introduce yourself directly to the person using the white cane, and follow the lead of how they would like to receive help. The person with sight loss may ask you to guide them by taking your arm. They may simply ask for clarification or directions. Or they may decline your assistance,” he said.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP
● Ask the person using a white cane if they would like assistance and if so, how?
● If you see a person with a white cane, be aware and give them space to navigate
● Alert the person with a white cane if they are in any immediate danger
● Report all hazards in public spaces to your local council
TYPES OF WHITE CANES
● Long canes are designed to physically detect obstacles as well as changes in height of the ground in front of the individual.
● Identification canes (ID canes) are smaller than long canes and the colour white lets other people know that the person holding the cane has reduced vision. Identification canes can be useful in difficult situations such as negotiating crowds or crossing roads.
● Support canes can be useful for people who experience problems with their balance when walking. A white support cane indicates sight loss.
*In August 2018, Guide Dogs Australia conducted a survey of 384 clients who use a white cane nationwide to identify issues they experience around mobility in the community.
*Guide Dogs Australia also commissioned a study, conducted by YouGov, of 1071 Australians to identify the Australian public’s knowledge and perceptions of white cane use.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
► CHAPTER ONE: Inside the squad that beat Sydney’s gangs
► CHAPTER TWO: The real-life police fight club
► CHAPTER THREE: The day bikies went too far
► CHAPTER FOUR: Bikie gangs: Warlords of the underworld
Download The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph app for your smartphone or tablet to get the full story.
APPLE: DOWNLOAD THE APP FOR iOS
GOOGLE PLAY: DOWNLOAD THE APP FOR ANDROID
WHAT YOU GET WITH OUR APP
► Live and latest news — Get the news as it breaks 24-hours a day, 7 days a week
► My News — Your own personal news feed. Tailor your news to get straight to the topics that matter to you
► Today’s Paper — Read the paper anytime, anywhere with the digital replica of the paper, as its printed
► Notifications — Be the first to know when big stories break with instant news alerts straight to the locked screen on your smartphone and tablet
► Live Sport Scores — Stay on the ball with NRL and AFL live sport scores and expect analysis
► Share — Join the conversation and share your favourite stories via Facebook, Twitter or email
► Daily puzzles — With new crosswords and Sudoku puzzles every day, there’s always something to keep your mind active
► Subscribe — Through the app (via iTunes) to start your 30-day FREE trial; then your subscription will automatically renew to $29.99 per month.
Originally published as Please stop doing this to white cane users
‘One minute a top cop the next minute not’: Willing reveals mental health struggles
During a life-altering call from Commissioner Karen Webb, Mick Willing was told his contract had been terminated after 31 years in the job. Two years later the former NSW Police deputy commissioner has a new purpose.
Revealed: Where developers are cashing in NSW housing rule overhaul
New figures have revealed locations where developers are slowly beginning to cash in on increased height limits allowed through contentious NSW planning reforms.