In 1964, the U.S. Congress approved a resolution authorizing the President of the United States to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15 as “National White Cane Safety Day.” President Lyndon B. Johnson was the signer of the resolution and the first U.S. President to issue a proclamation. Although President Barack Obama renamed the day “Blind Americans Equality Day” in his 2011 proclamation and subsequent proclamations, some still prefer and use the “White Cane Safety Day” designation.

Often with support and assistance from VA Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators and other VA blind rehabilitation staff, many BVA regional groups and individual members have hosted their own White Cane Day events and activities during the past 20 years. Because October is also Blind Awareness Month, such activities do not have to be scheduled on precisely October 15 but can be carried out on another day that is convenient for the planners or organizations hosting the event.

BVA National Headquarters will send White Cane Day materials—a limited number of brochures, pens in the color and shape of a white cane, and cards that simulate the different causes of blindness—to those planning a White Cane Day event. Also available are extra copies of past issues of the BVA Bulletin and one-page handouts relating to the history of White Cane Day and what to do when in proximity of a blind person.

Please send requests, with an ideal number of items to be received, to info@bva.org or call (202) 371-8880, ext. 316. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive a response and five business days to receive the materials.