Day brings awareness to white cane safety
White Cane Safety Awareness Day will be celebrated Oct. 15 in recognition of the white cane’s significance in advancing independence for people who are blind and visually impaired.
In Oklahoma City, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a division of Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, will host a celebration from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave. The public is invited to participate.
White cane users, those with dog guides and sighted supporters will gather in front of the library under the roof overhang.
The group will then walk from the library around the courthouse and city hall complex several times, with the walk ending in front of the Downtown Library.
“Many people in the community haven’t seen individuals navigate with white canes or dog guides and aren’t aware of the law in place to protect those who use a cane on streets and roadways,” said Tracy Brigham, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired administrator.
“Our goals for the public walk on White Cane Day are not only to emphasize safety and educate about blindness and low vision, but also to celebrate the progress and achievements made by Oklahomans who are blind and visually impaired throughout the years,” Brigham said.
Oklahoma law requires drivers to completely stop their vehicles 15 feet away from pedestrians who are visually impaired and identified by their use of white canes with red tips or dog guides.
Oklahoma law also stipulates that only blind people may carry white canes with or without red tips, a news release stated. The canes are internationally recognized as mobility aids for people with visual disabilities.
For more information about White Cane Safety Awareness Day, contact Elizabeth Scheffe at 405-5223359 or eschefee@okdrs.gov.