National White Cane Awareness Day

The 12th annual White Cane Awareness Day event will take place on Tuesday, October 15th at 118 Elliot from 10:00 to 12:00 a.m. to celebrate the white cane as a symbol of independence and self-reliance for those who are blind or have low vision.

The event will begin with a welcome talk by Dan Norris, Director of Adult Services & Deaf/Blind Consultant for the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI). Dan will introduce guest speakers Michael Goldberg, retired DBVI (Vermont’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; and Brattleboro Town Manager, Peter Elwell. Following the guest speakers, there will be instruction in being a sighted guide, as well as a walk along Main Street with optional blindfold. Those who would like to try walking under blindfold will be guided. Light refreshments will be available.

Fifty-five years ago,White Cane Safety Day was authorized by President Lyndon B. Johnson as advocated by the National Federation of the Blind. The Presidential proclamation said, in part, that the annual reminder would make “people more fully aware of the meaning of the white cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the blind persons who carry it.”

 The White Cane Awareness Day Walk is free and open to the public. This event is sponsored by VABVI, DBVI, and Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL).

For more information, or if you need transportation to attend due to low vision, call 802-254-8761. 

Vermont State Law

(http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullsection.cfm?Title=23&Chapter=013&Section=01057)

Chapter 13: Operation of Vehicles 23 V.S.A.
Section 1057. Duty toward blind persons
(a) 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, 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 the intersection or place of crossing and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian.