( View ASL )
Lived Experience Conversations and Information Session
Many people see the white cane as an alert, indicating that the person using it is either blind or partially sighted. The white cane is so much more than that. It is an important mobility tool representing independence in society for people who are blind or visually impaired. With the white cane, people who are blind or visually impaired can learn to navigate their surroundings, find curbs and steps, locate cracks and bumps in the sidewalk or road, avoid obstacles, find doorways, get into cars and buses, and so much more. Using the white cane as a tool for travel is a skill set that is best described by people with firsthand experience. To celebrate National White Cane Week, join Peter Parsons, APSEA Orientation and Mobility Specialist who teaches children and youth how to use white canes, as he leads a conversation with a group of people sharing their lived experiences navigating day to day life using the white cane.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Meet people with lived experience and hear their individual stories.
- Learn about the types of white canes and how they are used by people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Become familiar with proper etiquette when meeting and greeting somebody who is using a white cane.
Intended Participants:
- Parents, caregivers, and adult family members of the students APSEA serves
- School teams
- Community members
- APSEA employees
Facilitator
Peter Parsons, APSEA Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Length of Program
60 minutes