It is my friend who has been with me in times of crisis; a friend that never betrays but guides and protects. It is a faithful friend that shields me from the hindrances on my way. It is my vision at night, midnight, and daylight as well. It is my inspiration that seeks no sympathy but all it needs is the right to move about, freely, independently, and confidently. Doors and opportunities are not over yet, especially when such an important device tells or points out that it is my, and many others’, safe escort.
With it, I live in anticipation. We do not seek pity from each other, rather we share dignity. It is my white cane that shows me the right way through the maze of life.
A sincere thanks to James Bigg of Bristol, who first discovered the white cane that is on his blindness. He built hope for the visually impaired and gave them confidence and a sense of independence.
It is the constitutional right of every citizen of the country and the world to live with dignity. The white cane ensures that every visually impaired person gets that right.
There have been worldwide campaigns to raise awareness that though a person is visually challenged, he or she is comfortable and confident in moving around with the white cane. The device is not our weakness but our power.
However, some compassionate people do feel pity or sympathy, but not everyone renders assistance. Many people may think that a visually impaired person moving with a white cane will lose benefits, like better employment opportunities. Blindness does not make one imperfect. The power of sight may be absent, but the other senses of a blind person are stronger than anyone with sight. Hence, the person can be an active part of society and contribute to it given the right opportunity is given to the individual.
When a person reaches his or her destination with only an assistive device, it speaks volumes of the courage and confidence the person has. This also shows that the person is fearless and has a positive mindset.
To be self-sufficient is to be independent. We may be less capable of doing things, but we may reach the same level when we are self-motivated and independent. I urge the society as a whole to not look differently at someone with a white cane as this device speaks of the self-esteem and the dignity one possesses. Unwanted questions are not to be raised or asked because this degrades the person concerned.
Despite losing sight, we are the inspiration to those who have sight, making them think of what they are not actually capable of even when they can see. Life with dignity is what we all need. So, let us work together and be united to build an inclusive society.
