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WHITE CANE WEEK [1 record]

Record 1 2007-02-15

English

Subject field(s)
  • Names of Special Years, Weeks, Days
  • The Eye
  • Arts and Culture
OBS

In 1921, a photographer named James Biggs, of Bristol, England was blinded in an accident. Released from hospital, he had the idea of painting his cane white so it could be easily seen at night. The advantages of the white cane soon became apparent as people alerted to Biggs' blindness assisted his movements with guidance and warning of obstacles. Biggs' innovation soon became an internationally accepted symbol of blindness. Today, nine provinces have legislation which restrict the use of the White Cane to those legally blind. Since 1946, the first week of February has traditionally been "White Cane Week" in Canada, due to the CCB's initiative. The objective of White Cane Week has always been educational.

French

Domaine(s)
  • Désignations d'années, de semaines et de jours spéciaux
  • Oeil
  • Arts et Culture
OBS

En 1921, un photographe nommé James Biggs, de Bristol, en Angleterre, devint soudainement aveugle à la suite d'un accident. Après sa sortie de l'hôpital, il eut l'idée de peindre sa canne en blanc, afin qu'elle soit plus visible la nuit. Les avantages de ce changement de couleur se manifestèrent assez rapidement pour lui. En le voyant arriver avec sa canne blanche, et sachant qu'il était aveugle, les gens se mirent à l'assister dans ses déplacements, et à l'avertir d'obstacles dans son chemin. Cette simple innovation de M. Biggs devint bientôt un symbole reconnu internationalement pour désigner une personne aveugle. Et même que dans neuf provinces au Canada, il est interdit de se promener en se servant d'une canne blanche si on n'est pas aveugle. Depuis 1946, la première semaine de février est reconnu au Canada comme étant la «Semaine de la Canne Blanche" due, en grande partie, aux efforts du CCA. Le but de la Semaine de la Canne Blanche a toujours été d'éduquer les gens.

Spanish

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