UTICA, N.Y. — White Cane Safety Day celebrates independence for those who are blind or visually impaired.
White Cane Safety Day began on Oct. 15, 1964, through a joint resolution of Congress.
The Utica Council of the Blind and CABVI marked the day by celebrating the mobility and awareness the white cane provides.
Robert Nelson, CABVI customer service, said, “It does two things.”
“First,” he continued, “it tells the rest of the public you can’t see. Now, you don’t have to be totally blind to use the white cane, not able to see the big E at the top of the chart, but that way people won’t be surprised when you bump into them, but the cane also helps us to find, like I came down on the bus here by myself so to speak, and I was able to walk over to the bus stop.”
In New York State, drivers approaching a crosswalk should yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway when accompanied by a guide dog or a white cane with a red tip.
White Cane Safety Day celebrates independence for those who are blind or visually impaired.