White Cane Day History

Locally:

In 2008, I shared an office with a gentleman named Wayne Pound at the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth. One day, while leaning back in his chair, he asked, "Todd, what do you think about having a White Cane Day here like they do in Austin?" I told him I thought it would be fantastic. And that’s how it all started. We gathered representatives from the American Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services-Division for Blind Services, Education Service Center Region 11, and local Lions Club members to form the first planning committee. In October 2009, we held our first event downtown. While attendance was small that year, it was a meaningful and successful day. Sadly, Wayne passed away on July 31, 2010. He would have been proud to learn this idea soon grew to over 500 participants in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Wayne was indeed one of a kind, and everyone who knew him would attest to that. This year, and every year, we honor his memory, along with the memories of all those no longer with us who were dedicated to making this event a continuing success.

Nationally:

In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first White Cane Safety Day proclamation. Observed annually on October 15, this day celebrates the achievements of individuals who are blind or have low vision and the white cane, which symbolizes independence. The legislation was enacted to ensure the safety of pedestrians using a white cane. Today, each state has its own version of the White Cane Law to protect these individuals.