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In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed White Cane Safety Day as a national observance to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and to recognize the white cane which serves as a tool for independence. Ever since, Texas has been proud to recognize White Cane Day as an opportunity to celebrate the many ways those who are blind or visually impaired make our state a better place to live.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation declaring October 15th to be White Cane Day in Texas. Governor Abbott said, “The white cane is an important tool which empowers Texans who are blind or visually impaired to move safely through their communities, providing a freedom that opens the door to more possibilities and even greater success. I encourage all Texans to learn more about blindness and visual impairment and how these challenges do not define the Texans who live with and overcome them. When we all have the opportunity to progress and fulfill our potential, the future of Texas shines brighter.”
Virtual White Cane Day celebrations will be held in Austin, Houston, and Victoria. Read below for information about events in your community.
Austin White Cane Day Celebration
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Austin's virtual White Cane Day celebration is Wednesday, October 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mayor Steve Adler is scheduled to read a proclamation. Representatives from the City of Austin and Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired will speak. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of White Cane Day. Partners will discuss the services they offer and share their impressions of White Cane Day and what it means to have blind independence.
The event will be broadcast on Zoom, so tell your friends and family to join us. Keep watching this space to get the link to be released on October 12th.
For more information, contact Alison Behringer at Alison.Behringer@twc.texas.gov
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Houston White Cane Day Celebrations
Houston will host their 15th Annual White Cane Safety Day program and Resource Fair virtually on Friday, October 15th. Special guest Kimberly Aguillard, Ph.D., will provide a keynote. She served the National Federation of the Blind of Texas in many capacities and currently works as a research associate for the Institute for Health Policy with the University of Texas School of Public Health. The program will include a proclamation by Mayor Sylvester Turner, an historical background, and surprise performances.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Zoom Program
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Zoom Resource Fair
ONE registration for TWO events! To receive your ZOOM access code please sign up by October 13th at: https://bit.ly/3trea0E
For more information, contact houstonwhitecanesafetyday@gmail.com
Victoria White Cane Day Celebration
Refocus Now Victoria will host their annual White Cane Day program virtually on October 22nd from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Family, friends, and groups are invited to this free, public event to gain an increased awareness about blindness and a new perspective about abilities toward improving the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. Local, state, and national resources including accommodations and new adaptive tools will be featured. This year’s t-shirt design reads “Our Presence is Powerful; Our Independence is Important.”
For more information, send an email to Ursula Odom at: refocusnowvictoria@gmail.com
Join the Zoom Meeting
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