Leanne Hunt’s life changed when she was trained to use a white cane through the SA Guide Dogs Association’s College of Orientation & Mobility; now, she advocates helping others ahead of the ‘Give a Cane Campaign’.
South Africa (27 May 2024) – 2024 is a very special year for the SA Guide Dogs Association’s College of Orientation & Mobility (O&M). They are celebrating 50 years of training O&M Practitioners, having trained over 180 practitioners who have collectively reached over 100,000 visually impaired people. Leanne Hunt took part in the White Cane training at the college and it changed how she gets around.
Leanne began losing her sight when she was around 10 years old due to juvenile macular degeneration, a condition of the retina caused by a genetic mutation, characterised by a loss of central vision followed by a fragmentation of the peripheral field.
She managed to go about her life without assistance until she was about 30 years old. She then approached the SA Guide Dogs Association for an Assistance Dog. After having 3 Guide Dogs, Leanne’s circumstances changed.
Leanne shared a wonderful memory when she decided to travel overseas to visit her granddaughter and her white cane became her best friend. Before she left, she contacted the Association for White Cane Training.
“The orientation and mobility instructor visited me at home and trained me in our driveway and on streets in our neighbourhood. The cane extends the reach of my hand to ground level, making it possible to feel two paces ahead.” – Says Leanne
We asked Leanne to describe what using a white cane meant for her and how it gave her the independence and freedom she needed. She shared her most impactful moment while on holiday with her family.
“We went to a cottage in the mountains and I had no idea of the layout of the place. I asked my niece to show me around the house so that I could get my bearings, which took a matter of minutes. Then I unfolded my cane and told her I would find my own way around from there. I couldn’t believe what a difference it made, being able to move around without having to ask someone else to accompany me. I even walked down to the dam and onto the jetty on my own, which made me feel more independent than I’ve felt for years.”
Leanne has been a supporter for the Association throughout the years and also recently made a donation towards the Give a Cane Campaign. This campaign aims to raise R550,000 to purchase 500 white canes to change the lives of the SA Guide Dogs Association’s visually impaired clients.
“We are not victims of our disability. We want our independence so we can strike out and follow our interests wherever they may lead.” – says Leanne
By donating a minimum of R50, you will enable the association to continue its vital work, ensuring that it can train more clients of all ages, provide more assistive devices to those in need, and uphold its commitment to freedom and independence.
Visit https://guidedog.org.za/give-a-cane-campaign/ to find out more about the campaign and how to set up your fundraising page.
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