Do you see what I see? - October 2010

More than 40 White Cane Users will descend on the Queen Street Mall on Tuesday, asking the community to ‘see’ the world through their eyes.

The Guide Dogs Queensland clients will walk en masse around the mall to raise awareness of the Braille Trail, as part of International White Cane Day celebrations.

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Chris Laine said Brisbane’s Braille Trail, at 1.6km in length, was the longest continuous Braille Trail in Australia, yet many people unaware of its existence or purpose.

“People with sight will often block the path of a person using the Braille Trail without realizing,” Ms Laine said.

“By simply being aware of the Braille Trail and other features, and giving way to people who are blind or vision impaired, you can help them travel in a safe and dignified way.”

Hazard tiles, audio signal crossings and street signs with raised lettering and Braille compliment the Braille Trail in Brisbane’s CBD.

Ms Laine said Guide Dogs Queensland staff, volunteers and clients were inviting people to join them in the mall from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday, 12 October to learn more about the features in the city centre for people who are blind or vision impaired and to celebrate International White Cane Day.

In addition to the Braille Trail walk, the celebrations will include performances by Brisbane musicians and White Cane Users Jack Murphy and Steve Sparrow, an outside broadcast by Brisbane Newstalk 1116 4BC, chalk artists, demonstrations and experiential walks.

International White Cane Day is held around the world each October to draw attention to the mobility needs of people who are blind or vision impaired.

About 38,000 Queenslanders are blind or vision impaired, of which, Guide Dogs Queensland provides free services to almost 3,000.

Media Opportunity: 12.30pm Tuesday, 12 October, Centre Stage, Queen Street Mall – White Cane Users to walk en masse around the Braille Trail.

For further information or to arrange an interview with a White Cane User please contact GDQ Media Coordinator Jessica Chad by phone: 3500 9019 or email: j.chad@guidedogsqld.com.au