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. Thanks to motivated BVA members and VA Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators, productive activities are scheduled in various parts of the country throughout the month of October but especially on October 15.

President Lyndon B. Johnson established White Cane Safety Day by Presidential Proclamation exactly 60 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.

BVA Happenings, the Association’s electronic newsletter, looks forward to sharing this year’s activities in upcoming editions. Detailed reports will also be featured in the quarterly BVA Bulletin. Please send accounts of your events related to white cane education and safety to info@bva.org or call the BVA Communications Team at (202) 371-8882.