An Empathy Event was Organized on October 15, World White Cane Safety Day for the Visually Impaired

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Disabled Student Unit Coordination organized an empathy event to raise awareness for individuals with visual impairments as part of the October 15 World White Cane Safety Day. The event was held at MAKÜ İstiklal Campus and Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Library.

During the event, the sensitivity of MAKÜ, which received the "Accessibility in Space Award" in the "Barrier-Free University Flag Awards" organized by YÖK in 2024, towards equal opportunity in barrier-free education and accessibility in space, education, and socio-cultural activities was emphasized.

As part of the event, participants wore blindfolds and used white canes to navigate a route using guide paths. Participants also experienced the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in daily life by shopping with given money. At the end of the event, participants shared their experiences and expressed their awareness.

Support from Vice Rectors and Students for the Event

MAKÜ Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner and Prof. Dr. Oğuz Gürsoy, Disabled Student Unit Coordinator Elif Top, 4th-year student of the Faculty of Education Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department Visually Impaired Alperen Aydemir, and students from the Disabled Student Unit Coordination participated in the event.

Visually impaired student Alperen Aydemir shared his feelings during the event with the participants, drawing attention to the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in daily life. Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner and Prof. Dr. Oğuz Gürsoy also wore blindfolds and used white canes on yellow strip paths, supporting the event with empathy.

The event was an important step towards increasing awareness of spatial access issues for disabled individuals and fostering empathy among participants. MAKÜ once again demonstrated that it continues its efforts to become a barrier-free university without slowing down.

History of the White Cane and Event Content

The event also touched on the history of the white cane, stating that it originated in 1921 when British photographer James Biggs, who lost his sight due to an accident, painted his cane white to make it more noticeable. The white cane movement began in France in 1931 and has been celebrated as "White Cane Safety Day" in the USA since 1964.