Maseru, Oct. 16 — There is significant improvement in raising awareness on the importance and use of white canes as the majority of people understand the user has visual impairment.
This was said by Lesotho National League of the Visually Impaired Persons (LNLVIP) Chairperson Mr. Jeremane Teele in an interview with the Agency ahead of International White Cane Safety day on Thursday.
Mr. Teele said the League has deployed people in villages who assist visually impaired persons aged 60 years and above on the use of a white cane as it is their mobility tool.
“A white cane is not just a mobility tool but also represents independence, self-reliance and a signal to others that the user has visual impairment,” he said.
He added that the League, through Mohloli Oa Bophelo Rehabilitation centre also equips people aged between 14 years and 60 with mobility and orientation skills.
In another issue, he said there is significant improvement in promoting braille writing in the country as some Ministries have begun presenting information through braille and audio, applauding the Ministry of Health for recently presenting information regarding measles and rubella vaccination in both audio and braille.
He therefore indicated that the League will join the rest of the world to commemorate this day on Friday.
International White Cane Day is commemorated annually on October 15 to raise awareness and promote independence and teaches others how to support and interact with those who use white canes.
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