BVA regional groups and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Blind Rehabilitation Service (BRS) support groups traditionally commemorate the significance of white cane safety through pre-planned public events such as group walks, fairs, exhibits, or educational forums at VA facilities. The events take place throughout the month of October but especially this Wednesday, October 15.

Thanks to motivated BVA members and VA Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators and other VA BRS personnel, an impressive number and variety of activities are occurring this year nationwide. Some have already occurred. A Microsoft Word document accessed here or with the button below provides a comprehensive list of the events.

President Lyndon B. Johnson established White Cane Safety Day by Presidential Proclamation 61 years ago. The proclamation followed a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress on October 6, 1964. The purpose of the decree was to officially recognize the importance of the white cane annually on October 15 as both a symbol of sight loss and a tool of safe navigation. Other designations of the day since then include White Cane Awareness Day and National White Cane Day. Beginning in 2011, by decree of the Administration of President Barack Obama, the day also became known as Blind Americans Equality Day.

Upon receiving reports, BVA Happenings will share this year’s activities in post-White Cane Day editions. Detailed accounts will also be featured in the quarterly BVA Bulletin. Please send summaries and/or highlights of your events related to white cane education and safety to info@bva.org, or call the BVA Communications Team at (202) 371-8882.