CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A beer is raising awareness about white canes, which allow people who are blind or visually impaired to navigate the world.  

Tap Tap C is a collaboration between Triple C Brewing Company and Lions Services Inc., a nonprofit that makes products for the military while helping those blind and visually impaired. 

Triple C released the beer in October because Oct. 15 was White Cane Awareness Day. 

Lions Services President and CEO Philip Murph said the campaign aims to increase visibility about blindness. 

“Blindness comes in different degrees and not everyone can appear to be blind, even though they may be. And also that not everyone that is blind wants to have assistance,” Murph said. 

Laurie Ledwell has been an employee at Lions Services for 16 years. 

Ledwell, who is legally blind, uses her sense of touch to run a sewing machine to create helmet bands for the military.

At Lions Services, almost half of the staff is blind. 

“This is a place where your blindness is not considered a handicap because they help us,” Ledwell said. 

One form of assistance they provide is by placing markings on the floor to assist her in using her white cane, enabling her to navigate independently. 

“I couldn’t walk by myself without it,” Ledwell said. 

However, she said not everyone recognizes this mobility tool outside her job. 

Tap Tap C, a West Coast IPA, aims to change this. 

“I think just putting yourselves in other people’s shoes and looking at some different perspectives is always a good way to go through life,” Triple C Brewing Company President Chris Harker said.

Part of the proceeds will benefit this nonprofit, which helps people who are blind or visually impaired have an independent life. 

“I feel like I’m a productive member of society because, you know, I have a job and I’m being productive every day,” Ledwell said. 

With her white cane, Ledwell said, she has her cherished independence. 

“You have more of a life to where you don’t have to be lead. You could do normal things, you know, go out in the community,” Ledwell said. 

Lions Services makes chin straps, a hydration system carrier and the Army rucksack. 

Sighted employees check the products before they are complete. 

The proceeds will help Lions Services establish a care system to help its employees and the blind community with employment, housing, clothing or mental health assistance. 

Tap Tap C is available in cans and on draft.