This is White Cane Week, and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) is taking the time to highlight how the aid can improve quality of life for those who might otherwise have difficulty getting around.

Deon Slaney, a CCB Smart Life Coach, started using a white cane when his vision deteriorated to the point that seeing obstacles in his path became more challenging.

Now, he walks to work every morning.

“My white cane picks up obstacles in front of me, so if I didn’t have that there, I’d probably be bumping into things,” he said. “But I do everything, I live a full life, I work full time, I travel a lot. The white cane’s with me the whole time.”

Lions Clubs have a program to provide two white canes for every person in need, but Slaney says he’d like government to pick up and expand the program.