CEBU, Philippines - More than 40 visually impaired trainees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas joined the recently celebrated White Cane Safety Day.
The participants, under the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC II) in Labangon of the DSWD, joined in the annual event which promotes and protects the physical, moral, and social well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
DSWD-7 Information Officer Kerwin Macopia said the activity is aimed to strengthen the awareness of the public on the plight of PWDs as well as to promote their rights as members of the community.
Joy Fedelis and Chesa Romares from Resources for the Blind, Inc. gave a lecture on the Basic Sighted Guide Techniques and had an actual simulation activity on the use of a cane.
Apart from the visually impaired, participants who are able to see were also blindfolded for them to experience being blind. Part of the activity was the orientation on how to walk up and go down the stairs.
The event was capped off with a mall tour where 12 visually impaired trainees were toured around Ayala Center Cebu.
WhiIe inside the mall, they were able to interact with mall personnel, purchased items on their own and rode an escalator for the first time, Macopia narrated.
Cristina Siong, a visually impaired trainee of AVRC II shared that she had difficulty in using a cane. “Before I was not able to use a cane because I have low vision, I find it difficult. Now I know how to use the different techniques in using the cane properly. I will apply my learning’s by using the cane properly at home and inside the centre. I realized that even though I have low vision, still I can be independent and develop self-confidence,†Siong said.
Macopia said that the white cane is a symbol of greater mobility for the visually impaired and of their full participation in the community. — (FREEMAN)