October is National Disability Awareness month. During the month of October there are many events and occasions that are celebrated to highlight the skills, capabilities and most importantly independence of people with disabilities.
One of the most celebratory events taken place every October is the White Cane Safety Day. The National Federation of the Blind in convention assembled on the 6th day of July, 1963 and called upon the governors of the fifty states to proclaim October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day. On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress was signed into law authorizing the president of the United States to proclaim October 15 of each year as “White Cane Safety Day.” The resolution states that the president is hereby authorized to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15 as White Cane Safety Day and calling upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The white can is not only a tool used by persons with a visually impairment, but it is also a symbol. The white cane symbolizes the independence the user has to shop, travel, and move about society safely without hindrances and barriers. The white cane also alerts people that the person using it has a visual impairment and to be more cautious when on the streets and sidewalks.
During the month of October, Houston and many other cities will host White Cane Safety Day events. These events are designed to promote independence in people with visual impairments, educate the community on the advancements made within the Blind Community, and provide resources for people with disabilities. Houston’s White Cane Safety Day event has continued to grow in popularity and attendance over the past few years, and this year’s event is expected to be just as grand. There will be educational sessions to teach patrons how to use White Canes appropriately and the White Cane March, as well as great speakers with personal insight on the importance of White Cane Day. This year the Houston White Cane Safety Day event will be celebrated on October 14th from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm at City Hall.
For more information, contact: Cornelius Booker at Cornelius.Booker@wrksolutions.com
Cornelius Booker is a senior member of the Regional Navigator team and a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelors in Marketing and later received his M.B.A with a focus on Business Marketing and Management. With his personal experience and passion for the disabled community, Cornelius’ insights are an invaluable asset to the Workforce Solutions organization.
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