Jimmy Carter

“ For the more than six million Americans who suffer severe visual impairment, merely crossing the street may be a borrowing experience. This is especially true for the one-half million of our citizens who are legally blind and whose skill and resolve are tested daily in the traffic of our busy cities. ”

“ For the sighted, the white cane should serve as a reminder of the special needs of the visually handicapped person and of the importance of exercising simple courtesies which may otherwise be overlooked in haste. Observing the pedestrian's right-of-way in a crosswalk is a basic rule of traffic safety which has extra importance to the visually handicapped person who cannot see a vehicle's approach. ”

“ For such people, the white cane is an invaluable tool with which they can move about confidently and, most important, independently. Because the white cane is deceptively simple, many of us do not realize that special training and skill are required to use it effectively and safely. ”