The worldwide event is October 15. Here’s what you can do to get involved.
Have a Story to Tell? Hashtag #MyWhiteCane
Do you remember the first time you held a white cane? How much do you really know about the white cane’s history and purpose? Did you know that the white cane is not a crude implement, a compromise or a scarllett letter – but a highly effective tool of empowerment?
Also known as White Cane Safety Day and declared Blind Americans Equality Day by President Barack Obama in 2011, October 15 is the day when, around the world, blind people and their allies take time out to celebrate blind achievement and one of the best pieces of technology that we know: this is what #WhiteCaneDay is all about. First recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1964, White Cane Day is part of a greater international push now known as Meet The Blind Month, White Cane Day is, for blind people or those with low vision, a time to shine.
Five things you might not know about the white cane:
- From toddlers to NBA players, canes come in all sizes, some as long as 6 feet tall.
- Some people tap their canes for the audio feedback, while others keep continuous contact with the ground. It’s a personal choice.
- Canes can have dozens of different tips: plastic, metal, round, flat, soft, hard and rolling – all serve different purposes and are appropriate in different environments.
- Some canes fold up, some telescope in, and some are rigid and do not shrink down at all – it’s also a personal choice.
- It is actually illegal for people who aren’t blind or visually impaired to walk in public with a white cane – so we never have to worry about impersonators!
If you are a cane user or an ally, please share this article in the lead up to October 15 to educate the world about how important the cane is to our confidence and indepdence.
Celebrate with LightHouse’s Safe Streets Ambassadors
The LightHouse Training Team, Safe Streets Ambassadors and community continue our quest to educate drivers and the general public into 2019 regarding the respect of blind and low vision travelers using their white cane.
“My Cane is My Right of Way” is our message, and the message is on our t-shirts. If you are able to join us for the hour, you will receive our “My cane is My Right of Way” for RVSPing and attending. The morning of the 15th will begin at 10:00 am on the 10th floor with coffee and bagels (you will receive your t-shirt the day of the event) and head out to Market Street (in front of the LightHouse) where our education hits the streets.
When: October 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: in front of 1155 Market Street (meet at LightHouse HQ)
Who: Cane users and anyone who wants to help (we’ll be flyering!)
RSVP: Email Briana Kusuma at BKusuma@lighthouse-sf.org.
