Story Bridge climb proves what's possible with a White Cane

When Jefferson Mac reaches the peak of the Story Bridge this week he won’t see a thing but the experience of climbing the Brisbane icon will be a personal triumph for this blind university student.

Two years ago Jefferson had “stopped living” having become a recluse from losing virtually all his vision through failed surgery. The 28-year-old psychology major was born with congenital glaucoma which led to his left eye being removed at age 13.

He had surgery on his remaining eye only to be left with less than four per cent vision – resulting in a deep depression that would last five years.

‘It wasn’t until I got help from Guide Dogs Queensland in 2009 and had training with a White Cane that things changed. It took a few months but I was able to explore my neighbourhood, catch trains and think about what I wanted for my future. I went from thinking nothing was possible because of my vision impairment to anything’s possible, if I try hard enough,” he said.

Mr Mac is one of nine people with little or no vision set to scale the bridge on Friday, 14 October as part of Guide Dogs Queensland’s celebration of International White Cane Day which falls the following day.

The group of climbers includes high school and university students, a professional singer, a solo guitarist, and a retired geologist all of whom use the White Cane as their primary mobility aid.

While the climbers won’t see the view, they will feel the altitude, hear the sounds of the city, and enjoy the sensation of climbing an historical city icon.

“It’s something I never thought I would be doing, to go from where I was two years ago to where I am today is a big achievement, I wasn’t able to get out of my house let alone climb a bridge,” Mr Mac said.

GDQ CEO Chris Laine who will join the climb said International White Cane Day was a chance for the Association to highlight the dramatic impact mobility training can have on people who are blind.

“We are known for our Guide Dogs but the work we do with the White Cane and more advanced electronic aids provides quality of life to thousands of Queenslanders every year.

“This climb is about being visible - we hope it will demonstrate the ability of people who are blind to achieve the same goals as sighted people, and raise awareness of the need for our services for which we receive less than seven per cent in Government funding,” she said.

International White Cane Day is held around the world on 15 October each year to highlight the use of the White Cane in society, and draw attention to the mobility needs of people who are blind or vision impaired.

Guide Dogs Queensland relies on community support to fund the vast majority of its White Cane services – and receives no Government funding to breed, train and place Guide Dogs.

What: White Cane users climb the Story Bridge for International White Cane Day
Where: Story Bridge Adventure Climb – Base HQ; 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point
When: 9.30am for 10am climb; Friday 14, October 2011.
Contact GDQ Communications and Marketing Manager Donna Hurley on 0419 409 538 or email d.hurley@guidedogsqld.com.au