00:00:43
S1: International White Cane Day is coming up very soon. Important day. Let's find out how big Australia got to celebrate it. And speak to your regional Client Services manager Grant Wilson. Great. Great to meet you. Thanks for your time, Peter. Nice to be here. And, um, yeah, international White Cane Day. It's a really special day of the year. It's on October 15th and in Melbourne we're organizing a group to meet up at Southern Cross Station at Travellers Aid. Then we're doing a walk along Southbank as a group, then back to the Vision Australia office at Kooyong for a barbecue lunch. We've got a couple of speakers talking about what the cane means to them. Um, so we've got some quizzes going, some prizes, and now we're expecting a really good day. Terrific. And lots of white canes in sight. 100%. We're going to have a lot of canes. Um, hopefully some seeing eye dogs and but look really it's, it's an event that's open to anyone that's blind or low vision, or if they're caring for someone, that is.
00:01:46
S2: It's easy to talk about the white cane, because I guess a lot of people know about seeing eye dogs and dog guides, and they're kind of ubiquitous in terms of people blind or low vision. But in a sense, yeah, that's probably a small percentage of people in terms of what they use for orientation and mobility.
00:02:03
S1: Yeah. Look, people use the cane, symbolises someone who is blind or very low vision, and the dog does similar things. But as you said, Peter, a lot of our clients have got really low vision, but they choose not to use a cane for a for many reasons. Maybe they don't quite need one, others probably should, but not quite ready for it. And that's okay too. And it's part of that journey that we just saying, let's celebrate the independence that they both provide. And maybe that's a catalyst for some people to take the next step and give it a try when they're ready.
00:02:35
S2: Being high dogs are too. But the white cane has kind of stood the test of time, hasn't it? Uh, it's, uh, been used for a long time. And, you know, in a sense, the way it's used hasn't really changed that much.
00:02:46
S1: No. Look, there's a few variations. I mean, essentially, the cane detects changes in the surface. So if there's a step or a bump or whatever it is, it's it's perfect for that. But then you have different types. You have one which is just called an ID cane. That doesn't little more than show people around you that you have low vision. Then you have the one that does the actual surface detection. And some of the newer ones now have some sonars built into them. So obstacles above ground level are also identified. So if you think about a some sort of thing sticking out from the wall or a branch or something else above ground level, uh, typically is missed by a standard cane where these newer ones that have sonar in the handle, um, may pick up those additional things.
00:03:29
S2: What do you think of those, Grant? I mean, I guess, you know, different strokes for different blokes, as it were. I mean, they probably take a little bit of getting used to in terms of the information you get, particularly if you've used the standard cane, if you like, for a long time, these sort of got a lot more, uh, features to it. They can take a little bit of getting used to in terms of the information you're getting from them. I mean, you can get a lot from them, but if you, uh, you know, have a bit of difficulty processing it, then that can be a bit challenging, as.
00:03:54
S1: You eloquently put it, Peter. There's many strokes for different blokes, whatever it was, but essentially there's there's a multitude of different cane tips depending on the surfaces travelling and, and that things same goes with the sonars and the ID cane. So it really is, it's like that great big shop of, of options. And that's where the mobility specialists are, are there to match the cane with the person's needs. So as you said, some people, the, the sonar is amazing. And for others it's something they wouldn't embrace. And again, if someone is walking around the, um, like an office, a very lightweight little tip that slides around is perfect where if it's outside, they need something that's, um, that will allow a bit more for the bumps and humps and things like that. So it really gets down to matching the the cane or the dog, whatever it might be, with the person's needs.
00:04:45
S2: Right. You're a regional client services manager. So I'm assuming you do a bit of work sort of in the non-metropolitan area, the needs of white cane users in areas other than the kind of big cities, a little bit different.
00:04:56
S1: Look, possibly. You know, like I said, there's, there's cane tips for they call it all terrain cane tips so they can cope with undulating surfaces better than the other type of cane tip. The other challenges are things like footpaths not always as well formed in the country. But then what also happens is you have local communities are aware of someone in their in their community that is low vision. So they, you know, maybe they just keep a bit of an extra eye out for that person and, and probably a bit more willing to jump in and offer support where in the city can be a little bit more distant people a bit bit reticent to do things like that. So there's plus and minuses for both areas.
00:05:34
S2: Without wishing to offend any of our council friends, of course, you know, a few cities, uh, footpaths may be as good as they could be either, but I guess, you know, that's that's kind of life. And, you know, part of the independence is kind of learning to travel over those sort of terrains as well.
00:05:48
S1: Yeah. But the, I think the key thing, Peter, is that people are travelling, you know, they are.
00:05:52
S2: Yeah.
00:05:53
S1: They, you know, the, the, what we really don't want is people just being cocooned in their homes and, and not enjoying and not embracing life. So if it's a cane, whether it's a dog and whether it cane tip they go for or whatever, that, um, that might look like the fact that they're out and about and learning techniques, you know, it could be, how do I navigate that? Those bumps on the footpath, I need a different sort of cane, different walking style, or I go a different direction to identifying it and letting council know that there is an issue and it really should be repaired. But it's, it's very much that we have people out and about and embracing, uh, embracing life.
00:06:30
S2: Yeah. Even if it's just going for a walk around your neighborhood, I think to be able to do it on your own. I mean, if you've got a friend or a partner or whatever, it's kind of cool to go on those sort of strolls, but if you can do it on your own, there's a great sense of satisfaction and independence and you can't put a price on that.
00:06:45
S1: No, I couldn't agree more. You know, I think it's, uh, you know, whenever I see someone out and about, um, I, you know, full credit to them, um, I, you know, I, you know, can imagine, can't imagine what it'd be like to have zero vision and be out there and, and still doing it. And many people do. And I'm in total admiration and, uh, full power to them.
00:07:03
S2: And a great kind of partnership, if you like, with, uh, Travelers Aid because they do some wonderful work in the community as well, kind of adding to that layer of independence.
00:07:10
S1: Yes, 100%. You know, it's, it's very much about touch points. You know, if you get to the station and you're thinking, this is big, it's noisy, I could do a little bit of assistance here knowing that they're there and ready. And they're also trained, you know, they're, they're quite comfortable with people with not just blindness and low vision, but other other challenges. And they're in there to, to support them and look similar things go at Melbourne airport, uh, and other, um, other areas, but no, having them on site and trained and willing to jump in and assist his, uh, you know, that that helps greatly.
00:07:44
S2: And we've actually spoken to Travelers Aid and they're very much, uh, instrumental in having people who have got that lived experience to do the training. So it's not someone thinking, I reckon you could do it this way. Someone saying, this is the way I'd like it done, because this is what I find helpful. So it's a such a powerful message.
00:08:01
S1: Yeah, absolutely.
00:08:02
S2: Tell us a bit more about Thursday then, uh, when and where. And, uh, as you say, it's in Melbourne, obviously, but, uh, if people want to come along, everyone is welcome. No kind of, uh, prerequisites.
00:08:12
S1: No 100%. Peter. Look, it's it is based in Melbourne and, and it's open to, you know, we've got some clients apparently coming down from Bairnsdale who are keen to be part of the day. And we, we welcome people from anywhere. We are meeting, as I said, at Southern Cross Station. So it is a central point for all the, uh, metropolitan, but also country trains all come together at Southern Cross. So 10 a.m. at Travelers Aid is where we are meeting. And then you'll be in the very welcoming and caring hands of the mobility specialists to to guide you through on the walk. And then like I said, back at Kooyong, there'll be staff and volunteers and everyone there to ensure that everyone feels very included and, and just be there to, to come together. Often it's just people just love the chance to come together and catch up with some friends and have a good, good chat in a, in a very supportive way. And as we said, Peter, it's totally free, totally open to everyone. And what we really want is lots of people coming along and just really enjoying the day.
00:09:16
S2: Terrific. If people do want to find out more, is there a phone number or website they can go to or just just turn up?
00:09:22
S1: Well, um, you can ring, uh, vision Australia, um, on the, the main number, which I can find in three seconds. Um, but the other thing you can do is email us at White Cane Day at Vision australia.org.
00:09:38
S2: Oh, terrific. Got your own email address, I love it. We do. You made it. You made it. Oh, well, the white canes made it anyway. It's an email address, I love it. All right, we'll put those details up on our show notes. 130847466 is Australia's phone number as well, a grant. Have a great day. I look forward to maybe hearing how the quiz goes. I know a few people that might be there and there might be a bit competitive. That might be a bit interesting as well.
00:10:03
S1: Yeah. And and Peter, very quick we've got we've got a quiz for the kids and quiz for the adults. So we want to make it as much fun for all ages. And, uh, competitive is great that we, we're up for the challenge.
00:10:13
S2: Alright. Education as well. Grant, great to speak to you.
00:10:16
S1: Likewise, Peter. Thanks for your time.
00:10:18
S2: Grant Wilson there, the regional client services manager for Vision Australia, International White Cane Day, October 15th. We'll put those details up in the show notes. But if you can make it so it's going to be a fabulous day and a little bit more activities to go along with it as well.
S1: International White Cane Day is coming up very soon. Important day. Let's find out how big Australia got to celebrate it. And speak to your regional Client Services manager Grant Wilson. Great. Great to meet you. Thanks for your time, Peter. Nice to be here. And, um, yeah, international White Cane Day. It's a really special day of the year. It's on October 15th and in Melbourne we're organizing a group to meet up at Southern Cross Station at Travellers Aid. Then we're doing a walk along Southbank as a group, then back to the Vision Australia office at Kooyong for a barbecue lunch. We've got a couple of speakers talking about what the cane means to them. Um, so we've got some quizzes going, some prizes, and now we're expecting a really good day. Terrific. And lots of white canes in sight. 100%. We're going to have a lot of canes. Um, hopefully some seeing eye dogs and but look really it's, it's an event that's open to anyone that's blind or low vision, or if they're caring for someone, that is.
00:01:46
S2: It's easy to talk about the white cane, because I guess a lot of people know about seeing eye dogs and dog guides, and they're kind of ubiquitous in terms of people blind or low vision. But in a sense, yeah, that's probably a small percentage of people in terms of what they use for orientation and mobility.
00:02:03
S1: Yeah. Look, people use the cane, symbolises someone who is blind or very low vision, and the dog does similar things. But as you said, Peter, a lot of our clients have got really low vision, but they choose not to use a cane for a for many reasons. Maybe they don't quite need one, others probably should, but not quite ready for it. And that's okay too. And it's part of that journey that we just saying, let's celebrate the independence that they both provide. And maybe that's a catalyst for some people to take the next step and give it a try when they're ready.
00:02:35
S2: Being high dogs are too. But the white cane has kind of stood the test of time, hasn't it? Uh, it's, uh, been used for a long time. And, you know, in a sense, the way it's used hasn't really changed that much.
00:02:46
S1: No. Look, there's a few variations. I mean, essentially, the cane detects changes in the surface. So if there's a step or a bump or whatever it is, it's it's perfect for that. But then you have different types. You have one which is just called an ID cane. That doesn't little more than show people around you that you have low vision. Then you have the one that does the actual surface detection. And some of the newer ones now have some sonars built into them. So obstacles above ground level are also identified. So if you think about a some sort of thing sticking out from the wall or a branch or something else above ground level, uh, typically is missed by a standard cane where these newer ones that have sonar in the handle, um, may pick up those additional things.
00:03:29
S2: What do you think of those, Grant? I mean, I guess, you know, different strokes for different blokes, as it were. I mean, they probably take a little bit of getting used to in terms of the information you get, particularly if you've used the standard cane, if you like, for a long time, these sort of got a lot more, uh, features to it. They can take a little bit of getting used to in terms of the information you're getting from them. I mean, you can get a lot from them, but if you, uh, you know, have a bit of difficulty processing it, then that can be a bit challenging, as.
00:03:54
S1: You eloquently put it, Peter. There's many strokes for different blokes, whatever it was, but essentially there's there's a multitude of different cane tips depending on the surfaces travelling and, and that things same goes with the sonars and the ID cane. So it really is, it's like that great big shop of, of options. And that's where the mobility specialists are, are there to match the cane with the person's needs. So as you said, some people, the, the sonar is amazing. And for others it's something they wouldn't embrace. And again, if someone is walking around the, um, like an office, a very lightweight little tip that slides around is perfect where if it's outside, they need something that's, um, that will allow a bit more for the bumps and humps and things like that. So it really gets down to matching the the cane or the dog, whatever it might be, with the person's needs.
00:04:45
S2: Right. You're a regional client services manager. So I'm assuming you do a bit of work sort of in the non-metropolitan area, the needs of white cane users in areas other than the kind of big cities, a little bit different.
00:04:56
S1: Look, possibly. You know, like I said, there's, there's cane tips for they call it all terrain cane tips so they can cope with undulating surfaces better than the other type of cane tip. The other challenges are things like footpaths not always as well formed in the country. But then what also happens is you have local communities are aware of someone in their in their community that is low vision. So they, you know, maybe they just keep a bit of an extra eye out for that person and, and probably a bit more willing to jump in and offer support where in the city can be a little bit more distant people a bit bit reticent to do things like that. So there's plus and minuses for both areas.
00:05:34
S2: Without wishing to offend any of our council friends, of course, you know, a few cities, uh, footpaths may be as good as they could be either, but I guess, you know, that's that's kind of life. And, you know, part of the independence is kind of learning to travel over those sort of terrains as well.
00:05:48
S1: Yeah. But the, I think the key thing, Peter, is that people are travelling, you know, they are.
00:05:52
S2: Yeah.
00:05:53
S1: They, you know, the, the, what we really don't want is people just being cocooned in their homes and, and not enjoying and not embracing life. So if it's a cane, whether it's a dog and whether it cane tip they go for or whatever, that, um, that might look like the fact that they're out and about and learning techniques, you know, it could be, how do I navigate that? Those bumps on the footpath, I need a different sort of cane, different walking style, or I go a different direction to identifying it and letting council know that there is an issue and it really should be repaired. But it's, it's very much that we have people out and about and embracing, uh, embracing life.
00:06:30
S2: Yeah. Even if it's just going for a walk around your neighborhood, I think to be able to do it on your own. I mean, if you've got a friend or a partner or whatever, it's kind of cool to go on those sort of strolls, but if you can do it on your own, there's a great sense of satisfaction and independence and you can't put a price on that.
00:06:45
S1: No, I couldn't agree more. You know, I think it's, uh, you know, whenever I see someone out and about, um, I, you know, full credit to them, um, I, you know, I, you know, can imagine, can't imagine what it'd be like to have zero vision and be out there and, and still doing it. And many people do. And I'm in total admiration and, uh, full power to them.
00:07:03
S2: And a great kind of partnership, if you like, with, uh, Travelers Aid because they do some wonderful work in the community as well, kind of adding to that layer of independence.
00:07:10
S1: Yes, 100%. You know, it's, it's very much about touch points. You know, if you get to the station and you're thinking, this is big, it's noisy, I could do a little bit of assistance here knowing that they're there and ready. And they're also trained, you know, they're, they're quite comfortable with people with not just blindness and low vision, but other other challenges. And they're in there to, to support them and look similar things go at Melbourne airport, uh, and other, um, other areas, but no, having them on site and trained and willing to jump in and assist his, uh, you know, that that helps greatly.
00:07:44
S2: And we've actually spoken to Travelers Aid and they're very much, uh, instrumental in having people who have got that lived experience to do the training. So it's not someone thinking, I reckon you could do it this way. Someone saying, this is the way I'd like it done, because this is what I find helpful. So it's a such a powerful message.
00:08:01
S1: Yeah, absolutely.
00:08:02
S2: Tell us a bit more about Thursday then, uh, when and where. And, uh, as you say, it's in Melbourne, obviously, but, uh, if people want to come along, everyone is welcome. No kind of, uh, prerequisites.
00:08:12
S1: No 100%. Peter. Look, it's it is based in Melbourne and, and it's open to, you know, we've got some clients apparently coming down from Bairnsdale who are keen to be part of the day. And we, we welcome people from anywhere. We are meeting, as I said, at Southern Cross Station. So it is a central point for all the, uh, metropolitan, but also country trains all come together at Southern Cross. So 10 a.m. at Travelers Aid is where we are meeting. And then you'll be in the very welcoming and caring hands of the mobility specialists to to guide you through on the walk. And then like I said, back at Kooyong, there'll be staff and volunteers and everyone there to ensure that everyone feels very included and, and just be there to, to come together. Often it's just people just love the chance to come together and catch up with some friends and have a good, good chat in a, in a very supportive way. And as we said, Peter, it's totally free, totally open to everyone. And what we really want is lots of people coming along and just really enjoying the day.
00:09:16
S2: Terrific. If people do want to find out more, is there a phone number or website they can go to or just just turn up?
00:09:22
S1: Well, um, you can ring, uh, vision Australia, um, on the, the main number, which I can find in three seconds. Um, but the other thing you can do is email us at White Cane Day at Vision australia.org.
00:09:38
S2: Oh, terrific. Got your own email address, I love it. We do. You made it. You made it. Oh, well, the white canes made it anyway. It's an email address, I love it. All right, we'll put those details up on our show notes. 130847466 is Australia's phone number as well, a grant. Have a great day. I look forward to maybe hearing how the quiz goes. I know a few people that might be there and there might be a bit competitive. That might be a bit interesting as well.
00:10:03
S1: Yeah. And and Peter, very quick we've got we've got a quiz for the kids and quiz for the adults. So we want to make it as much fun for all ages. And, uh, competitive is great that we, we're up for the challenge.
00:10:13
S2: Alright. Education as well. Grant, great to speak to you.
00:10:16
S1: Likewise, Peter. Thanks for your time.
00:10:18
S2: Grant Wilson there, the regional client services manager for Vision Australia, International White Cane Day, October 15th. We'll put those details up in the show notes. But if you can make it so it's going to be a fabulous day and a little bit more activities to go along with it as well.
