White Cane Collections

 

Members are asked to man “sites” at various locations  in town twice a year.   The time periods are Friday 3pm – 7pm and 10am – 3pm on Saturday,.  The chairman of the White Cane Committee selects two weekends a year (one in spring and one in the fall) where members stand near a table denoting the weekend as White Cane.   Members sign up (for time they will work)  on a sheet at the club meetings prior to the event.

 

Shoppers at the designated locations are encouraged (not demanded) but can be requested to donate to White Cane.  Information is available on the use of the funds and reason for the event.

 

Proceeds from the donations are used to fund eyeglasses for the needy.

White Cane Day

 

On April 6th and 7th and in the fall, the Pearisburg Lions Club will solicit donation at  of locations in Pearisburg.  The Narrows and Rich Creek Lions also participate in the White Cane Project and will seek donations for their Clubs’ Project in various Giles locations.

 

A number of people ask what the White Cane Program is all about. The familiar white cane with a red band at the bottom is used by blind and visually impaired persons in many countries.  This simple device was invented in 1930 by Lion George A. Bonham of the Peoria, Illinois, USA, and Lions Clubs.  Today, blind and visually impaired people throughout the world use Bonham's invention.

While most people think it is simple to use a White Cane, there are special instructions in the use of white cane.  These instructions are taught by schools for the blind. This includes explanations of "white cane laws" which state that motorists must yield the right of way to the blind and visually impaired.

In our efforts to be advocates for the blind and visually impaired, Lions clubs:

  • Promote white cane laws in their communities;
  • Purchase white canes
  • Educate the public about white cane laws;
  • Advocate for "beep" traffic lights and other aids for the blind and visually impaired.

White Cane Safety Day is officially celebrated in the United States on October 15.  On this day, Lions clubs publicize the needs of the blind and visually impaired.  To meet the needs of the blind and visually impaired, we have a continuous effort to raise funds for our citizens.

 

There is a variety of different services that exist for:

  • Totally blind
  • Partially blind
  • Newly blind
  • Congenitally blind
  • Blind persons requiring vocational training
  • Blind persons requiring leisure time training.

Lions clubs around the world donate their time and financial resources to rehabilitation and vocational training centers for the blind and visually impaired. These facilities provide training in basic living skills such as: dressing, bathing, cooking, eating, exchanging money, telling time, etc.

Each year, Lion Bill Hadden – who for a number of years was our leader dog ambassador – provides instructions to the children who participate in the Lions Christmas Shopping event.  One year, they were taught to eat using blindfolds which proved to be an experience for the children.

To improve independent mobility, many blind and visually impaired people use a white cane. Schools for the blind provide training in the use of white canes.  Guide dogs provide another option for increased mobility.  Lions support numerous guide dog training schools around the world.

Lions Clubs International does not endorse any particular assistance dog facility. Information about assistance dog facilities is compiled and shared with Lions and the general public.

Support Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

 

Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are a few of the conditions that affect vision.  In some instances, the vision lost due to these conditions cannot be restored.

Lions clubs support the blind and visually impaired in many ways.  Some services provided by the Lions are:

Medical Research

Many Lions clubs provide funding for medical research underway at local universities, hospitals and private facilities.  Some Lions clubs or districts provide ongoing support for medical research through the sponsorship of eye research fellowships.

Scholarships for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Blindness-related organizations often establish educational scholarships for blind and visually impaired students.  When asked, Lions clubs often provide scholarships for local students who are blind or visually impaired.

Assistive Technology Centers

Centrally located in public buildings such as libraries, Lions clubs have created assistive technology centers which provide the blind or visually impaired with access to computers.

These centers often include: voice synthesized computer equipment, software for producing Braille and large print formats, recording and dubbing devices for audio formats, and closed circuit televisions for enlarging print for the reading of books, letters, bills, etc.

Accessibility

In cooperation with local authorities, Lions clubs often help improve public access for the blind and visually impaired.  Among these improvements are:

  • Smooth sidewalks
  • Sidewalks that slope at the curbs for wheelchair accessibility
  • Audible (beep) traffic signals.

Associations for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Governments, non-profit organizations, and religious groups are among the agencies that advocate for the visually impaired.  Among the services offered are:

  • Counseling
  • Education
  • Financial support
  • Low vision programs and equipment
  • Medical services
  • Reading services
  • Recreation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Transportation

Lions often donate funds as well as their time to associations for the blind and visually impaired.

Support Groups

Hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, and senior centers often organize self-help groups for people with vision impairments.  Similar support groups for family members are also commonly organized.

Lions’ club members often volunteer their time to help organize and provide continued support for self-help groups for the blind and visually impaired.

Reading Materials

With the aid of new computer technology, Lions clubs can transform printed materials into large print, Braille, audiocassette, computer disk, or e-mail formats for the blind and visually impaired.  This can include newspapers, magazines, books, voting ballots, legal contracts, utility bills, bank notices, medical information, restaurant menus, etc.

Reading Aids

Upon request, Lions clubs have donated reading aids to the blind and visually impaired.  Among the many products now available are:

  • Magnified reading glasses
  • Easy-to-read telephones
  • Television screen magnifier
  • Large button television remote control devices
  • Large display wrist watches
  • Large display calculators
  • Computer screen magnifier
  • Jumbo medication box
  • Automatic eye drop dispensers
  • Large print playing cards
  • Large print crossword puzzles
  • Large size dominoes

These are a few of the things we use your donations to accomplish.  We appreciate your support in helping us to provide services to our community.