How did the white cane come to be used as a symbol of blindness?
An Englishman and a French woman both claimed to have developed the idea.
1921 - James Biggs of Bristol, who became blind as the result of an accident, decided to paint his walking stick white so that drivers of vehicles would notice him more easily in the street. He wrote to various organisations, chief constables and newspapers, explaining his idea.
1931 - Guilly d'Herbemont launched a national white stick movement in France. This time the campaign was taken up by the British press. In May of that year the BBC broadcast the suggestion that all blind people should be provided with a white stick, which would be nationally recognised by the public.
1932 - The National Institute for the Blind (now RNIB) started selling white sticks. In 1976 a version of the white cane with added red stripes was accepted as a standard for use by deafblind people.
1984 - The World Blind Union adopted an international symbol for blindness which featured a person walking with a white cane.
Where can I find statistics about blind and partially sighted people in the UK?
For statistics like how many people have sight loss in the UK and the causes of sight loss, visit our key information and statistics page.
Where can I find out about famous blind people?
Our famous people with sight problems can help or ask the Research Library for literature on the person you are interested in.
Who was Helen Keller?
Our Helen Keller page will give you lots of information. Or contact our Research Library to borrow or use a reference copy of Helen Keller biographies.
How do blind people communicate?
Have a look at our page on reading and writing.
Can you help me find some blind and partially sighted people to interview for my research?
Our research discussions are for people who want to give their opinions and get involved! Leave a message if you are looking for blind and partially sighted people to participate in research projects, TV or radio shows or surveys.
Use the Sightline Directory to find participants. In the UK there are over 200 societies for blind and partially sighted people!
Who is the patron saint of blind people?
Several saints are said to be patrons of blind people.
St Lucy
According to legend St Lucy, who died in 303 CE, gave away her goods to the poor and was betrayed by the man to whom she was betrothed. Her feast day is 13 December.
St Cecilia
St Cecilia was herself blind, and is patron saint of musicians as well as of blind people.
St Odilia
Some people think of St Odilia (born 720 CE in Alsace) as patron saint of blind people. There is a story which tells that she was born blind, but when she was 12, St Erhard of Regensburg visited her village. He baptised her as a Christian and at once she was able to see. She later entered a convent and became an abbess.