The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) observed World White Cane Day under the theme ‘Vision Beyond Sight’ to promote awareness of the white cane as a crucial symbol of independence and mobility for people with visual impairment and deafblindness.
To mark the occasion, the institute organised an awareness program at the Government Higher Secondary School, Kovalam. The event featured sessions on ‘Teaching Mobility Cane – Uses & Techniques’ and ‘Challenges faced by Persons with Visual Impairment’. Speakers included Kirupanandhan (Retd. Director from NIVH) and Miranda Tomkinson (Lecturer at NIEPMD).
A highlight of the program was a practical skit on ‘How to use White Cane’, performed by the school students and guided by NIEPMD’s HRD students, which aimed to educate the public on the use of the cane in daily life. Nakkirar, Head Master of the school, inaugurated the event, which saw the participation of around 150 people, including persons with visual impairment and the general public.
