For many
Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) like myself, navigating with a white cane in
hand, where every step outside our door is more often than not a gamble, is
never easy.
I’d hasten to
say that it’s a minefield, as there are countless factors we have to think
about.
Amidst the
chaos of traffic, boda bodas, potholes, sidewalks overrun with pedestrians and
street vendors, unmarked construction zones, and the occasional wandering
livestock, lies a significant yet often overlooked population, VIPs - we are
confronted with considerable barriers to our mobility.
The white
cane is recognized as a symbol of independence, a sign of autonomy and respect
for the blind and visually impaired persons - in line with Article 3 of the
principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (CRPD).
It is also in
accordance with the obligations stipulated under Article 9 of the CRPD on
accessibility, Article 20 on mobility and sustainable development goal number
11, on accessible cities and human settlements.
White cane,
also known as Guide Cane, is used by VIPs to move around without necessarily
needing much support by anybody, especially when we are in unfamiliar
environments. This simple device allows us to navigate our environment safely,
detect obstacles, and maintain our balance.
One of the
biggest misconceptions about people who are visually impaired (and people with
disabilities in general) is that we are totally dependent on others or
incapable of taking care of ourselves.
A quality
white cane offers the required guidance with minimal support.
Leave no
one behind
Several
people don’t understand the significance of a white cane and the biggest
challenge here in Kenya is their affordability and availability in the country.
Even when we
do own white canes, we continue to face significant barriers such as lack of
safe and accessible urban spaces as outlined in my Persons with Disabilities
Bill, 2023 which amongst other provisions, seeks to make buildings and
streets more accessible; and my Transport Amendment Bill which calls for public
transport systems to adopt Universal Design standards and principles to ensure
easy access for all users on our roads, including persons with disabilities.
These are
crucial elements which I had the opportunity to address at the National
Construction Authority Conference in September, and the Hamburg Sustainability
Conference in Germany this month, where I spoke on inclusive transport,
accessible urban living and just mobility for persons with disabilities.
It is a
misconception that the white cane is always electric or has motion sensors of
some kind. Yes, there are those types in the market, but are extraordinarily
expensive.
The average
VIP uses a basic white cane without the fancy stuff. When you see us tapping it
on the ground from left to right as we walk, it is providing sound and tactual
information that helps us better understand our surroundings.
This is why
it is vital to have wide and tactile pavements, step-free transport systems,
continuous and obstacle-free streetscapes, and audible traffic signals which
could promote more inclusion.
The National
Assembly when allocating budgets should ensure that the Ministry of Labour and
Social Welfare have adequate resources to facilitate the provision of white
canes to blind and visually impaired persons (including students and children)
at the county government level free of charge in the spirit of leave no one
behind, in order to promote inclusive development.
And for those
that are unsure of what to do when you come across a visually impaired person
that is with or without a white cane:
1. First,
don’t shout! Blindness doesn’t equal to deafness - please speak to us in a
natural tone (unless of course we ask you to speak louder).
2. Kindly ask
before touching someone who is blind, so you do not surprise them
3. Do not
assume that we need assistance. Offer to help but don’t insist when we say no,
thank you
4. Always
identify yourself – be considerate that the person who is blind needs to know
who you are, where you are standing and who else might be present.
5. In an
unfamiliar place, if you’re the guide, you should indicate the presence of a
level change e.g. types of stairs (deep, narrow curved etc)
6. Again, if
you’re the guide, never leave that person unless you first inform them. If s/he
is stood up and you need to leave them briefly, perhaps have them lean on
something (a wall/ chair/ table) so that they maintain their position.
7. Remember,
skilled white cane users rely on their canes to navigate, and disrupting their
path may interfere with their movement. If you are driving or cycling, be
considerate - stop and give them way.
Vision is
just one way to see the world.
Let’s commit
to creating a more inclusive society where everyone can navigate life with
confidence and dignity.