Guide Dogs NSW and ACT regional manager Ben Schwarz said the day was an opportunity for blind children especially and their families to associate with and learn from one another.

“While many would be shocked by the impact vision loss would have on every aspect of their life, we suspect Dubbo residents would be suprised to learn that when used correctly, the humble cane can restore a great deal of mobility and independence,” Mr Schwarz said. “The long cane plays a critical role in providing safe, agile foot travel as it detects objects and changing surfaces.”

The preview event was also an opportunity for visually- impaired children to meet and greet others like them, and to realise they are not alone.

Jace Weatherall, 8, has been visually-impaired since he was six months old. His mother, Karen, saw the cane day as a way to help make her son feel more accepted.

“It feels good to be a part of it, this is our first outing with Guide Dogs NSW, and I think it’s good for the other kids to see one another as they are, blind and using canes,” Mrs Weatherall said.

The Weatherall family came to see the animals at the zoo, and for Jace to really appreciate what everyone else can see.

“Although today is quite cold and grey, it really makes it hard for Jace to see and move about, but he is trying very hard,” she said.

International White Cane Day will be held next Saturday.