Celebrate "White Cane Week" in Canada

The white cane has become an international symbol to identify visually impaired people in the community and reminds those who can see of the many obstacles the blind experience on a daily basis. In 1946, the Canadian Council of the Blind designated the first week in February as White Cane Week. Each year a theme is chosen to focus public attention on blindness and visual impairment. White Cane Week in Canada has become a national network of special events and hands-on demonstrations.

To celebrate White Cane Week and another successful year in partnership with the Canadian Council of the Blind, the National Gallery of Canada is pleased to offer the following program free of charge:

February 1-5, 2009, daily 2 – 5 pm.

Half-day workshops adapted and designed for individuals who are blind, deaf-blind or who have visual impairments. The series provides greater access to the National Gallery’s collection, promotes art literacy and develops hands-on art making skills. Participants will explore the National Gallery’s permanent collection and special exhibition Caught in the Act while using senses other than sight. Free. To register contact reservations at 613-998-8888.

_{Source: National Gallery of Canada. Celebrate White Cane Week at the National Gallery of Canada NGC, 28 Jan 2009.}

_{Image © Michael Matisse / Getty Images}