Today, we celebrate National White Cane Day, an international event to bring awareness to the importance of a white cane and to create a safe environment for visually impaired people. 

What’s the deal with white canes?   

In the early part of the last century, white canes were introduced as a way to help visually impaired people travel independently and not have to rely on another person at all times. According to the National Federation of the Blind, white canes are an extension of our hands and arms, so that we can assess the situation, and move quickly. The white cane allows the visually impaired to avoid obstacles, find steps and curbs, locate and step over cracks or uneven places in the sidewalk, find doorways, get into cars and buses. 

It is also a way to identify a person as visually impaired. For instance, if you saw a person using a white cane trying to cross the street, you should see the cane and recognize the impairment and exercise appropriate caution.  

Congress makes it official.

In 1964, president Lyndon B. established White Cane Safety Day on October 15, as a way to bring more recognition to people who need to use one. The white cane symbolizes the ability to achieve a full and independent life and the capacity to work productively in competitive employment.

White Cane Day at Cy-Fair.

There are many ways that we could incorporate awareness for White Cane Day into everyday, Cy-Fair life.  As one of our freshman students, Nick Oliver, is visually impaired, the school community should know more about him.

“I think people should be able to recognize the cane and make it better known,” Oliver said.  “I think it’s a good day for recognition.”

Special education administrator Stacie Davis thinks that White Cane Day teaches us things that will carry through our daily lives.

“It brings attention to their lifestyle and the difficulties of how they navigate through life,” Davis said.