Kumasi, March 29, GNA - The Kumasi Metropolitan branch of the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB) at the weekend organized mobility and orientation workshop for 20 members.

The participants, who were drawn from various districts in the Ashanti Region, were taken through theoretical and special practical training on the use of the white cane.

They were introduced to the handling of the cane, how to direct it to identify objects ahead, walking on level grounds, crossing gutters and climbing of staircases.

Briefing newsmen at the workshop in Kumasi, John Kyeremateng, Ashanti Regional Secretary to the Association, such workshops would enable members to be self-reliant and independent of guides who at times create problems for them when there is a misunderstanding. Miss Juliana Osei, Special Education Co-ordinator, Metropolitan Education Office, Kumasi, noted that white cane is part and parcel of all visually-impaired adding that it acts as their guide. He expressed regret that sections of the society, especially motorists, do not recognize the blind with the white cane. Miss Osei said it was time people respected the white cane and gave them the needed assistance.

"People with disabilities do not need sympathy but rather empathy," she added and called on the government to do more on the implementation of the disability law which gives persons with disabilities their rights to life. Mr. Alfred Tabi-Amponsah, Ashanti regional President of the Association, appealed to his colleagues to try to always use the white cane. He appealed to the government, non-governmental organizations and philanthropists to support the Association in the organization of such workshops for the blind and also assist them to purchase more canes for members.