The white cane is for the blind an extension of his body. This tactile tool, made of synthetic fibers, guides the steps of the blind, making them notice on what type of surface they are walking.
History
In a small town in the province of Santa Fe , Argentina , called San Vicente, lived José Mario Falliotico, who in the 1930s, and during his stay in Buenos Aires , invented the white cane for the blind. The story goes that on a very cold afternoon on June 22 , 1931José Mario Falliotico was returning from his job in a tinsmith shop walking that street in Buenos Aires on his way to his home in the Flores neighborhood. When he stopped by a curb and looked before crossing, someone touched his arm gently. Falliotico turned to find a young man, wearing black glasses, stretching his hands forward as if in a strange somnambulism. At first he did not understand, but only two words addressed to him by that man made him realize: Does it cross me? Falliotico helped the blind, Miguel Fidel, to cross the avenue, and asked for his information. Leave me your address, tomorrow you will receive something that from now on will avoid these sit-ins in the street, he said.
The idea of a white cane was born, and turn it into an object that instantly individualizes the blind. The next day, Fidel received the first white cane, and in the afternoon Falliotico brought the idea of popularizing the invention to the then director of the Argentine library for the blind, Agustin Rebuffo. Later, numerous visitors would take the idea to other countries, and it would become popular worldwide. Among its promoters, is the tenor and Mexican hepatologist, Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, who returned with the idea to his country, where he imposed on the authorities on the Argentine novelty, and requested that its obligatory nature be established. It was a simple but transcendental idea that is noted within the compendium of great creations
Function
The cane is for the blind an extension of his body. This tactile tool, made of synthetic fibers, guides the blind person’s steps, making them notice what type of surface they are walking on and also providing information about their location. The contact of the pointer with the ground sends vibrations to the blind person, which are more intense the harder the surface on which it is located. Made of resistant aluminum that makes it extremely light and easy to use. Ideal for blind people who need support and assistance to walk. Ergonomic cuff with strap to secure the arm. It can be easily folded into 3 parts for easy storage. With cover in reflective material to the light to visualize it easily and prevent accidents.
Walking stick models
There are currently different models of poles on the market, each of which has a different type of grip. Their design is one or the other depending on the service they are intended to provide, depending on the degree of blindness of the user. The white cane is commonly accepted as a symbol of blindness. Several countries have different regulations on what constitutes a “cane for the blind.” In the UK, for example, the white cane indicates that the person using it is visually impaired. If the cane has two red bands, it indicates that the user is deaf-blind. In some regions, the cane is yellow.
In the United States , laws vary from state to state, but in all cases, those with a white cane have right of way when crossing a street and in a public space.
- B1 is designed to guide the totally blind.
- B2 to those who slightly distinguish lights and shadows.
- B3 guides the steps of the blind who still have some residual vision
Characteristics of the white cane
At the top, the grip is made of rubber, which allows you to take it with ease and greater comfort. At the lower end it has a lace with a rolling metal slider. In addition to the foldable White Cane , there are also other models that are completely rigid and with a curved handle.
According to the majority of blind people who use the folding cane, it is more practical because, since it is generally folded in four sections, it can be easily stored in a briefcase, backpack or in a desk drawer; while the rigid model, although it is more durable due to its consistency, is often cumbersome and not very functional for locating obstacles.
The size of the White Cane must reach the height of the sternum, and the measurement varies according to height. There are poles of 1.05, 1.10, 1.15 and 1.20 meters. Consequently, a short cane does not allow obstacles to be detected in time, in addition to causing unnecessary efforts and incorrect maneuvers when the blind person moves, causing fatigue, clumsiness in walking,