Gov. McKee, RI Officials Recognize 60th Anniversary of White Cane Awareness Day

Gov. McKee, RI Officials Recognize 60th Anniversary of White Cane Awareness Day

Published on Thursday, October 17, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI - Governor Dan McKee and state officials held a ceremony recognizing the 60^th anniversary of White Cane Awareness Day at a State House event today in the State Room, while celebrating the achievements, success, and innovations of the blind community.

"The white cane is an essential tool for millions of visually impaired people across the world and helps them to achieve independence in their own lives," said Governor Dan McKee. "White Cane Awareness Day not only educates the public but reinforces that Rhode Island is an inclusive community."

In North America the introduction of the white cane has been attributed to the Lions Clubs International in the 1930s. In the 1960s, the National Federation of the Blind became a leader in fighting for the rights of the blind and in pioneering innovative training programs using the white cane. At their urging, the United States Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1964 designating October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day and recognizing that white canes enable blind people to travel safely and independently.

Lyndon B. Johnson, in October 1964, issued a proclamation declaring October 15^th as White Cane Safety Day to make people more fully aware of the meaning of the white cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the blind persons who carry it.

"The white cane and the history of advocacy for which it stands are essential to ensuring blind and vision-impaired Rhode Islanders can travel safely and live their lives to fullest. As Chair of the Long-Term Care Coordinating Council, I am proud to celebrate our national and local leaders in the blind community," said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. "As we recognize this important anniversary of White Cane Awareness Day, Rhode Island is reaffirming our commitment to making our state accessible and welcoming to all."

"As we pause to recognize 60 years of white cane awareness, it is important to see how much progress has been made over this time in terms of independence and opportunity," said RI Department of Human Services Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. "And to those living with blindness or vision impairment, you are an inspiration to so many. Your determination and advocacy ensures more great success to come."

"Rhode Island Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired was established in 1930 as the Bureau for the Blind and has remained in continuous operation for over 94 years. Our mission is to provide opportunities, training, and support to eligible individuals with visual impairments, enabling them to be independent, active, self-sustaining members of their communities, while living the lives they wish to live. The white cane is not only a tool of independence but emblematic of this mantra in action," said Laurie DiOrio, Administrator, Rhode Island Services for the Blind.

"My white cane symbolizes freedom and independence. It provides me with key information that allows me to navigate safely and confidently through the world. The white cane is an essential tool that assists me to live the life I want," said Graciela Pires, President, National Federation of the Blind.

"As the chair of the Governor's Advisory Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired, I believe White Cane Awareness Day offers the opportunity for the public to see that individuals who are blind can contribute fully in society, exhibiting a wide range of talents and strengths as their sighted peers. For people who are blind, a white cane is not merely a symbol, but an essential tool for independence, and access to employment, education, and community activities," said Regina Connor, Governor's Advisory Council for the Blind."

DHS's Office of Rehabilitation Services, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is here to help support you. Should you need assistance please call 401.462.7908, go online at https://ors.ri.gov/programs/services-blind-and-visually-impairedInquiries or send an email to: [email protected].

Programs and services available include:

• Information, referral to community resources, and support to individuals and their families
• Vocational evaluation, career assessment and educational planning, training, job development, job placement and job retention-business enterprise (Randolph Sheppard Act) vending facility program
• Independent living services to adults and older individuals to help maintain independence
• Educational advocacy and supports for children age 3+
• Orientation and mobility training/ white canes
• Rehabilitation teaching/assistive technology and low-vision aids- provide training and help individuals fund and obtain assistive technology, including iOS and Android, Braille devices and computers
• Certification of legal blindness in order to obtain property tax exemptions (city/town) and income tax deductions
• Parking placards and RIDE/RIPTA reduced fare applications
• Talking books; Newsline
• Services to Veterans
• Low-vision aids and devices for daily living, assistance with paying for eyeglasses

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