City of Johannesburg commemorated World White Cane Safety Day, aimed at recognising the abilities of the blind and partially blind, on October 15.
World White Cane Safety Day is observed annually.
In partnership with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and Rea Vaya, the event also highlighted the importance of access to transport for the blind.
For blind people, the white cane is an essential tool that provides the ability to achieve a full and independent life. It offers the blind the ability to move freely and safely from place to place.
“The ability to travel safely and independently is a critical issue in our city. We all want to get to our destinations in the safest and quickest way possible. It is no different for persons who are blind or partially sighted,” MMC Mpho Phalatse said.
“The City recognises that more work must be done to ensure that changes in vehicle and environmental design to create safer and more hospitable environments, not only for the blind and partially blind but also for all people with disabilities.”
Phalatse said to obtain clarity as to what is required, the City’s Persons with Disabilities Unit and Rea Vaya are working on a study to develop a Disability Standard on Access to bus transit.
When completed, this standard, and corresponding changes to the City’s bus transit policies, will provide designers, builders and certifiers with design specifications deemed to meet both national and international requirements.
“Preliminary findings are that our buses are accessible, but our bus stops are less so.
“Basic compliance requires that the curb at a bus stop must be level with the low floor of the bus, so that people in wheelchairs or with other mobility issues can board easily. It’s not much use having an accessible bus if people with mobility disabilities can’t get on board,” said Phalatse.
