English school bans blind girl from using cane

A blind English schoolgirl has been banned from using her walking cane at school because it could trip up other students.

Lily-Grace Hopper, 7, from Bristol, is blind in her right eye and can only see lights and colours in her left eye, after suffering a stroke when she was four days old, the Bristol Post reports.

She started using a walking cane in April but has now been told the cane presents a "high risk" to teachers and students, after Hambrook Primary School ordered a healthy and safety assessment. Instead, the school said she will have adult support at all times, and advised her to "walk carefully over all surfaces".

Her mother, Kristy Hopper, said the cane has become "an extension of her daughter's arm".

"She hasn't had any problems with any of the other students, and none of the parents have complained about it – in fact, they have all been very supportive," Ms Hopper said.

"It's just ridiculous. If you took a walking cane away from a blind adult, you would say that was discrimination. It's the same here."

Hambrook Primary School head teacher Jo Dent said the ban was "a temporary measure".

"We have to consider all of our pupils, so it is important that we have an opportunity to discuss the situation before we make any decisions," she said.