why do blind people use white sticks?

Question

why would it matter, surely illuminous green would be more visible

Answer 1

They want to be visible but not horribly conspicuous.

Answer 2

This question is in the wrong category, and I'm not sure if it's being asked seriously, but the white stick is a recognised way of identifying someone with visual impairment - it doesn't matter what colour the stick is, so long as the general population recognise its significance.

You obviously don't know any blind people or you would not ask such an ignorant question. My grandad was blind for the last decade of his life, and he hated taking his white stick out as he felt it would stigmatize him - but he did realise in the end it was for the best, so that other people would realise he couldn't see and not bump into him.

Answer 3

They had to chose one colour and that was what stuck. Perhaps they did some research to see what colour made it stand out to others. If it was luminous green maybe people would still ask, why isn't it white

Ahh I found an answer!
Blind people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries, but it was not until after World War I that the white cane was introduced.

In 1921 James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who became blind after an accident, was feeling uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home so painted his walking stick white to be more easily visible

Answer 4

White canes were used in the early 20th century to designate a blind person from a sighted one. Up until that time many people carried canes as a fashion accessory so it was necessary to distinguish it from a fashion statement.

The white canes carried by blind people today remain white because that is a standard. Many do have a luminous quality at night.

You can read more about the history at these places:

http://www.acb.org/pedestrian/whitecane.html

http://www.nfbmass.org/white%20cane.htm

Answer 5

The white stick gained recognition as an indication of blindness long before anyone had heard of luminous green. While the white cane is commonly accepted as a "symbol of blindness", different countries still have different rules concerning what constitutes a "cane for the blind".

In the United Kingdom, for example, the white cane is recognised as being used by visually impaired persons; with two red bands added it indicates that the user is deafblind.

Answer 6

So that people know they are blind, its been a recognised sign of blindness for many years. Probably to late to change it. I think some do put luminous items on their stick's, to be seen at night.

Answer 7

what has this got to do with immigration?
it would have to be changed internationally as the whote stick is known the world over as the tool of a blind or partially sighted person to feel for objects in their path.

Answer 8

I think there are different colour coded sticks depending on the disability, so the colour is really for the information of other people not for the benefit of the blind person.

Answer 9

Its visible during the night.

Answer 10

when you get hit with a white stick the blood shows up better

Answer 11

Its a symbol of the fact that they are blind and to be careful around them.But what does this have to do with immigration ?
Oh wait I get it,why no brown or black canes right ? Or integrated canes> It boggles the mind lol