A day of white canes was organized at Saint Paul station. A process to raise awareness of the difficulties that people with disabilities and visually impaired people may face on a daily basis. The general public was offered an immersive experience via a virtual reality headset.
“Not knowing the danger around you is very difficult.”“, explains one of the participants. The virtual reality headset allows you to simulate various vision anomalies. “I tell myself that if the same thing ever happened to me, I would like to know what the person feels like.”“, said one participant. “It's difficult for them.”appreciates the man who participates in the operation. IRSAM is organizing an awareness campaign among the general public. Two goals: raising awareness of visual impairments and highlighting the role of the cane.
“I feel the tape under my feet, and I'm holding my crutch. And when there's no more tape, I know I've gotten somewhere. My crutch is a cane that can help me walk. It can allow me to walk.”A young boy testifies.
“I was proud and happy, as it allowed me to show others how to sweep with a stick.”“, explains a visually impaired girl. Choosing a station is not a coincidence, it is a complicated passage to find your way. Passers-by can help. “The goal is also to de-dramatize things a little bit and say that at the end of the day, we can help them in a fairly easy way.”“, said one of the organizers. Raising awareness to encourage people to help. On our island, nearly 20,000 people are visually impaired.
