WCD
(White Cane Day)
SCORP CIMSA USU
The white cane is recognized as a symbol of independence, a sign of autonomy and respect for the inherent dignity for the blind and partially sighted persons which is in line with Article 3 of the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The White cane is also in line with the obligations stipulated under Article 9 of the CRPD on accessibility, Article 20 on mobility and sustainable development goal number 11 on accessible cities and human settlements. Blind people are those who have no vision at all, as well as those visually impaired people, who still have residual vision but are unable to use their eyesight to read 12-point ordinary writing in normal light conditions and from a normal distance even though they are assisted with glasses.
In commemoration of White Cane Day which falls on October 15 every year, SCORP CIMSA USU held a series of air campaign activities with the theme "See Through their Perspective" regarding the issue of vulnerable people and limited employment opportunities. This year, we raised this topic with the aim of increasing public knowledge and awareness about the rights of the blind. It also aims at celebrating the abilities and successes achieved by blind and visually impaired people worldwide who can live and work independently, carry out daily activities, while giving back and getting involved in communities.
WCD activities began by releasing Podcast on Spotify with an alumni of CIMSA USU, dr. dwi Gunawan Fardhani, Local Officer on Human Rights and Peace CIMSA USU 2016/2017, which discussed about the activities and history of the White Cane Day in CIMSA USU, followed by the highlight of the event which was held on October 23, a webinar in the form of advocacy by Dinas Sosial Provinsi Kota Medan with the topic of the access to job opportunities for the visually impaired as well as Talk Show with Pertuni (Persatuan Tunanetra Indonesia), ending with an educational video interview with Mitra Netra regarding the rights of the blind and it’s status quo in Indonesia which was uploaded on CIMSA USU’s YouTube channel.
We organize this series of events in the hope of building public awareness about the blind so that people have the right understanding of blindness and could communicate well, be positive and supportive towards the blind, and bring positive impacts to the community and the surroundings.