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. Aside from a few creative online events, such opportunities came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks, however, to motivated BVA members and VA Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators, White Cane Day activities are again on the rise.

President Lyndon B. Johnson established White Cane Safety Day by Presidential Proclamation 59 years ago. The proclamation followed a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress on October 6, 1964. The purpose of the decree was to recognize the importance of the white cane annually on October 15 as 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, the day also became known as Blind Americans Equality Day.

BVA Happenings looks forward to detailing some of this year’s activities in upcoming editions and at BVA.org. Please send accounts of events related to white cane education and safety to info@bva.org or call BVA Public Relations at 202-371-8882.