Governor Abbott Declares October 15th White Cane Day
White Cane Day is October 15th
According to the American Council of the Blind, White Cane Day was first recognized in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson as White Cane Safety Day. Since then, October 15th has been celebrated as White Cane Day. The day was originally intended as a reminder to the public to respond with care and courtesy to people who are blind or visually impaired using the white cane. Today, it is celebrated as a second independence day and a time to educate wider communities on the remarkable contributions made by their blind and visually impaired peers.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation declaring October 15th to be White Cane Day in Texas, encouraging “All Texans to learn more about blindness and visual impairment, and how these challenges do not define the Texans who have overcome them.” White Cane Day will be marked by celebrations across the state, including several marches throughout Austin on October 16th. The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) will also host several events throughout the day.
As noted by Governor Abbott, the white cane is an important symbol of the tools used by Texans who are blind and visually impaired to overcome barriers to full inclusion. We are a brighter, stronger state when everyone has the opportunity to progress and fulfill their full potential.
SOURCE:
Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities
https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities