Many of us were taught to look both ways before crossing a street, and reminded that we are responsible for our own safety when crossing, even if the traffic laws say otherwise.  Not everybody has that luxury.  Today is White Cane Safety Day, an observance entered into federal law by Congress and signed by LBJ back in 1964.  Much has changed since 1964, and the various technologies in place to help people with limited vision navigate a sighted world have evolved, but the white cane is still a part of life for many, and it is today presents an opportunity to speak about progress in the face of uncertainty. 

When you think about how confusing it is to navigate an increasingly complex world, both the physical and intellectual landscape of the world around us and with reference to the complex financial, family and virtual interactions that our world has on offer, we should pause to think about what we take for granted.  As the old reformer John Bradford is famously paraphrased as saying “There, but for the grace of God, goes [I].”  We all experience the uncertainties of navigating the increased complexity of our worlds, and for some of us, the physical world is no less challenging, or may even be more so. 

According to American Action fund For Blind Children and Adults there are potentially 1.6 Million blind persons in the United States, and the figures are expected to reach 2.4 Million by the year 2030.  Their statistics are HERE.  For them, navigating the physical world entails a host of practical techniques that enable them to do the things that many of us take for granted, but probably with a lot more effort. 

These capable people have a lot to offer, and make their way in a world still poorly adapted to them.  Despite their adjustments to a sighted world that accommodates them rather poorly, they might still themselves either underemployed or unemployed.  According to AAF, 74% are unemployed.  If you are an employer, and if you are hiring, you might consider that with the assistive technology available today, there is an opportunity to hire a great vision impaired employee.

We are all navigating a complex world, and doing so utilizing a set of problem solving skills that help us to get things done every day.  Today I would like us to pause and celebrate the problem solving skills of a million or so Americans, who, like the rest of us, are navigating a world that is not always easy.  If you are one of our Ohio clients, and want to get involved in this cause through a local resource, you can check out Prevent Blindness Ohio, or Pilot Dogs.  If you are a client elsewhere, and are looking for ways to get involved in this cause, drop us a line at info@planforyourtomorrow.com and let us know, and we can help you find a suitable organization. 

At the very least, on this White Cane Safety Day, be aware of anybody around you navigating with a white cane or guide dog.  Cut them a little slack today and every day, they work just a bit harder to do many of the things we take for granted.

We will be posting a few additional social media items related to these charities if you want to know more.  Follow us on Social Media to get more information!