White Cane Awareness Day is Oct. 15
By Melissa Allman, Sr. Specialist, Advocacy & Government Relations
Wishing everybody a fantastic White Cane Awareness Day from your friends at The Seeing Eye!
Did you know that the first guide dogs were trained before the white cane was invented? Today, both methods of navigation are important tools for independent travel for people with blindness or low vision. In fact, before a blind person begins to work with a guide dog, they must be able to travel independently with a white cane. Cane users learn important travel skills that assist them if they choose to work with a guide dog, and their cane is a valuable backup if their dog is unable to work for a period of time.
White Cane Safety Day, now more commonly known as White Cane Awareness Day, began in 1964 with a joint resolution in Congress to recognize the value of the white cane in enabling blind people to travel safely and independently. If you are a motorist and you see a blind person with a white cane or guide dog at an intersection, remember that just like you, they want to get where they are going safely. A cane or a guide dog enhances their ability to do so. If you are wondering if a blind person needs help, feel free to ask them but respect their answer if they say they do not need assistance. Please try not to honk at the blind person to communicate whether you think they should or should not cross, as honking horns can be alarming or misinterpreted. Over the years, most states have enacted White Cane Laws giving blind pedestrians the right of way at intersections, including those working with white canes or guide dogs. Take a look at New Jersey’s law as an example. Thank you for driving attentively and helping us to increase awareness!
Visit the National Federation of the Blind and read more about White Cane Awareness Day and how to honor it by organizing a celebration.
The Iris Network is hosting the 28th Annual White Cane Walk for Awareness on Saturday, October 14 in Portland, Maine. Click here to learn more.
