International White Cane Day
[October
15, 2003 -
10.30
GMT]
Today 15th
October is ‘ International White Cane Day’. The white cane is a universal
symbol; it immediately indicates that the bearer is visually impaired. The
Day serves as a reminder that though most visually impaired persons manage
to lead independent lives without burdening society, they still deserve our
consideration.
In Sri Lanka
International White Cane Day was first declared in 1969.
The Sri Lanka Federation
of the Visually Handicapped (SLFVH) is the pioneer and premier national
self-help organization of the visually impaired in this country. It is the
only organization to have diligently observed the White Cane Day for 29
years continuously. The SLFVH also conducts an Annual Flag Week from October
15-23.
An awareness meeting is
scheduled for this evening at the auditorium of the Colombo Public Library.
White canes, other
utility items and financial assistance for self-employment projects will be
given to the members present. A musical presentation by visually handicapped
artistes will follow. A “White Cane Walk” from the SLFVH premises at Slave
Island to the Public Library will precede the meeting.
President Chandrika
Kumaratunga who is the patron of the Federation will ceremonially hand over
white canes to office-bearers of the Federation at President's House on
Friday, October 17.
The SLFVH is
conducting an essay competition for students on the theme, "The White Cane
User is also a Citizen of Sri Lanka". Winners and runners-up in the Under 12
and over 12 age groups in the Sinhala, Tamil and English language categories
will be awarded prizes.
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Last Updated
Date: October 15, 2003 -10.30
GMT. |
