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80 years, white cane still remains most favoured

Last Updated 13 October 2010, 16:23 IST

The visually challenged now use technology to access contents on the internet and even have GPS (Global Positioning System)-based navigation systems which they can access through their cellphone.

But, the cane remains the simple tool that can be accessed by all.

"The white cane was designed (painted fully in white with a red patch at the centre) for everyone in a public place to recognise the disability of the person and allow him/her to walk on without obstruction," said Anandhi Viswanathan, a visually challenged person who works as a communications professional in Bangalore.

"It may have been introduced nearly eight decades ago (in 1931), but it still remains the most recognisable aid for the visually challenged person," she added.

In its 80th year, the cane is yet to find a superior aid that would help the blind perceive the environment better.

In fact, attempts to design a technologically capable alternative has consistently failed in recent times.

"Of course, it has obvious limitations such as the inability to locate a hanging tree branch which is outside of its reach," said Geetha H S, a mobility instructor for the visually challenged with EnAble India, a local NGO.

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(Published 13 October 2010, 16:23 IST)

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