About Us

Sight loss - FAQs

Summary: Frequently asked questions about sight loss and how it affects people.

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How did the white cane come to be used as a symbol of blindness?

An Englishman and a French woman both claimed to have developed the idea. James Biggs of Bristol, who became blind as the result of an accident, decided to paint his walking stick white so that drivers of vehicles would notice him more easily in the street. In 1921 he wrote to various organisations, Chief Constables and newspapers, explaining his idea. Ten years later, in 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a national white stick movement in France. This time the campaign was taken up by the British press - in May of that year the BBC broadcast the suggestion that all blind people should be provided with a white stick, which would be nationally recognised by the public. The National Institute for the Blind (now RNIB) started selling white sticks in 1932.

In 1976 a version of the white cane with added red stripes was accepted as a standard for use by deafblind people.

In 1984 the World Blind Union adopted an international symbol for blindness which featured a person walking with a white cane.

Where can I find statistics about blind and partially sighted people in the UK?

The most recent statistics on the numbers of blind and partially sighted people in the UK are available on the RNIB website. Please visit the Research Library's statistics page.

Where can I find out about famous blind people?

See famous people with sight problems or ask the Research Library for literature regarding named individuals.

Who was Helen Keller?

A factsheet about the life of Helen Keller is available. The Research Library also has a number of biographies of Helen Keller which are available for loan, or for reference in the library itself.

How do blind people communicate?

Have a look at our page on communication methods.

Can you help me find some blind and partially sighted people to interview for my research?

In the UK there are over 200 societies for blind and partially sighted people. You may find that your local society is willing to help with your research. Search for your local society on our agencies database.

Who is the patron saint of blind people?

Several saints are said to be patrons of blind people. According to legend St Lucy, who died in 303 CE, gave away her goods to the poor and was betrayed by the man to whom she was betrothed. Her feast day is 13 December.

St Cecilia was herself blind, and is patron saint of musicians as well as of blind people.

Some people think of St Odilia (born 720 CE in Alsace) as patron saint of blind people. There is a story which tells that she was born blind, but when she was twelve St Erhard of Regensburg visited her village. He baptised her as a Christian and at once she was able to see. She later entered a convent and became an abbess.

Further information

See our guide About sight loss - changing the way we think about blindness.

Content author: corpinfo@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 06/03/2008 15:41