Tamale, Oct. 16, GNA - Mr. Felix Dery, Programme Officer of the Ghana Association of the Blind has said the white cane was a symbol of recognition and respect for the blind in society and not just a tool used to achieve independence.
He said: "To honour the many achievements of blind and visually impaired people and to recognise the white cane's significance in advancing independence, the white cane works as a tool and a symbol for the blind."
In a speech read on his behalf at the celebration of the While Cane Day in Tamale on Monday, Mr. Dery said over the years the cane had existed as travelling aid for the blind and the visually impaired to alert them on obstacles on their paths.
The Day which was on the theme: "Respect the white cane, the mobility aid for the blind" was aimed at sensitising the public the need to recognise and respect the blind and their white canes. Mr. Dery said the Action on Disability and Development (ADD), believed and shared the vision of a world where all persons with disabilities were able to enjoy equal rights, fulfill their obligations and participate in all activities in society.
Mr. Prince John Mahama, Northern Regional President of the Association called on people in the region, particularly the Tamale Metropolis, not to despise blind people but to accept and treat them as family members.
He said the challenges facing blind people were numerous due to inabilities and appealed to the public to lend a helping hand to them to ensure that they were integrated into the society to improve their living standards.
