From October 15 to November 15, the annual month-long event "Person with a White Cane" is held, which is conducted by the Belarusian Society of the Blind public organization together with state institutions and organizations.

The goal of the "Person with a White Cane" month is not only to draw public attention to the problems of those who do not see the colors of the surrounding world. It is also about forming a positive attitude, empathy, and willingness to help people who today need support and understanding.

Throughout the year, and especially during the "White Cane" month, the Belarusian Society of the Blind public organization, together with the Kostyukovichi District Center for Social Services, holds various events aimed at improving the quality of life for people with low vision and blindness, forming a humane attitude and respect for people with visual impairments, and consolidating the actions of state and public organizations.

In our district, a lot is being done to improve the level and quality of life for people with visual impairments: at social infrastructure facilities and other public places that people with low vision frequently visit, warning tactile tiles are laid out in front of staircases. The same tiles are used on new pedestrian paths at crosswalks. Yellow stickers are used to mark glass entrance doors. Installed traffic lights with audio signals help blind and low-vision people cross the road safely. On the territory adjacent to the Dubrava restaurant and the museum, tiles with tactile elements have been laid out, as well as in residential buildings at 1p and 2a Komsomolskaya Street, where voice informers have been installed, and much more, which helps blind people navigate in space, says Grakova T.G., a representative of the Belarusian Society of the Blind. Yes, and the development of technology is not standing still. Many things, objects are being manufactured so that blind people can use them in everyday life. Some technical means of social rehabilitation can be purchased through the UKRCSON at a discounted price. For example, people with visual impairments of the 1st and 2nd groups have the right to receive a smartphone for 20% of the full cost, wristwatches or an alarm clock with a speech synthesizer for 25%, tonometers and thermometers with a speech synthesizer for 50% of the full cost. And a tactile cane is issued completely free of charge once every two years.

What is useful for sighted people to know when communicating with blind people:

— do not show pity, do not rush to express your condolences, sentimental sympathy. Behave calmly, quietly, show the necessary demands, but at the same time, show care.

— do not forget that a blind person does not see the looks and gestures directed at them, so with words or a light touch, let them understand that you are addressing them,

• when meeting a blind person after greeting, introduce yourself immediately,
• during a conversation, try not to show excessive curiosity, especially about their illness, do it tactfully.

How to help a blind or visually impaired person:

— offer your help during strong winds and precipitation, uncleared snow, loud noises that make it difficult for them to move and navigate in space, as well as when crossing the road.

— when accompanying a blind person, ask which side is more convenient for them to walk on. Do not leave them without warning them about it.

— warn them about obstacles (a steep staircase, a puddle that needs to be stepped over, etc.). Before going down or up the stairs, ask the blind person how they prefer to walk, either by the arm or holding onto the handrail.

• do not leave a blind person alone on a street crossing, on an open porch, or in a doorway, escort them to a safe place.
• inform blind people about changes in their surroundings (furniture rearrangements, roadworks, street closures, etc.).

— to help a blind person take a seat in public places or in transport, show them where the seat is. It is enough to put their hand on the back of the chair or seat.

— when serving a visually impaired person at a table, inform them where the tableware is. After that, they will find everything themselves. Tell them what food is on the table so they can choose according to their taste.

Visually impaired people are individuals who have found the strength to live, work, be useful to society and their families. Despite the fact that their eyes do not see or see very little, the souls of these people are distinguished by a special keenness, and their heart reaches out to creative communication and the beauty of the surrounding world. This gives them the strength to fight the disease and even serve as a source of optimism for others. Deprived of sight, they do not require special treatment. The main thing is that they be understood.