Constant use of mobile devices is now part of everyday life, but alarming new statistics have revealed it’s a danger that impacts many Australians who are blind or vision impaired every time they leave the house.
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A recent Guide Dogs Australia survey has revealed almost half of all people who use a white cane are walked into at least once every time they are out, with about 60 per cent of people reporting the instances are caused by people engrossed in their mobile devices.
Almost half of all people who use a white cane had also been knocked over, injured or had their cane broken by someone walking into them in the past two years.
As we launch our new campaign, Eyes Up, for International White Cane Day on October 15, I would like to ask readers to be mindful of who’s around them when using their mobile devices, so that we can help people who are blind or vision impaired stay safe in their communities.
I would also like to remind readers that if you or someone you know is experiencing sight loss, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provide services and support at no cost, irrespective of age, level of vision, or where a person lives.
Enabling people to move around safely and confidently is always our top priority.