On October 15th of each year, the National Federation of the Blind celebrates White Cane Awareness Day. The white canes used by blind people are an essential tool that allows freedom of movement to travel from place to place such as work, school, and around communities.
The National Federation of the Blind is continuously working toward securing full integration, equality, independence, acceptance, and respect for all blind Americans. This advocacy work centers on issues related to education, employment, transportation, voting, and civil rights. The National Federal of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans, providing expert advice to blind people, their families, agencies for the blind, corporations, and the government.
Please keep in mind that when you see a person using a white cane, it is essentially an extension of their arms and hands to assess environmental situations and barriers. The white cane helps blind persons avoid obstacles, find steps and curbs, locate and step over cracks or uneven sidewalks, find doorways, as well as getting into cars and others forms of transportation. When you see a blind person using a white cane, please remember the cane is a tool. These is no reason to shout out warnings or try to physically steer persons who are blind. Please use the following link to learn more about rules of courtesy when working with persons who are blind.
Links: Courtesy Rules of Blindness | National Federation of the Blind (nfb.org)
The City of Lakeland invites you to learn more about White Cane Awareness Day. Please visit the website for the National Federation of the Blind at nfb@nfb.org or call them by dialing 410-659-9314.
Please join the City of Lakeland in making a commitment to use appropriate safety measures when driving near an individual using a white cane or guide dog.
Florida Statutes, Section 316.1301 - Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a guide dog or carrying, in a raised or extended position, a cane or walking stick which is white in color, or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross, shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.”
At the City Commission meeting held on October 7, 2024, the City's Mayor, Bill Mutz, read a Proclamation for White Cane Safety Day with community members present. Sheryl Brown from Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision, Rosalyn Kennedy, founder of My Blind is Beautiful, and local advocate Darlene Sellars participated at the event.
