LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND & LOW VISION CELEBRATES WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY
HILLSBOROUGH, POLK, AND HARDEE COMMUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL ACTIVITIES
Tampa, FL October 6, 2021 – Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision, a local organization that provides comprehensive rehabilitation programs for blind or visually impaired persons residing in Hillsborough, Polk, and Hardee counties, recently announced this year’s activities to celebrate White Cane Awareness Day. This year’s activities will be held on Thursday, October 14 in Winter Haven and Friday, October 15 in Tampa beginning with breakfast at 9 AM on both days. Due to COVID guidelines, attendees are being asked to RSVP at 863-299-3633 for the Winter Haven event and at 813-251-2407 for the Tampa event. After breakfast, attendees will walk from the Lighthouse to 6th Street in Winter Haven and Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa from 10-11 AM.
Each year, since 1992, the non-profit that has locations in Tampa and Winter Haven plans activities to bring awareness to the white cane, a tool of independence for persons who are blind or have low vision. Sheryl Brown, President & CEO at the Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision notes that, “Observing this day is crucial to educate the public on the significance of the white cane and yielding to persons using the cane. This is also integral to the work that we do to help so many in these communities gain the skills needed to live independently and maintain employment,” she added.
White Cane Day celebrations date back to 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed October 15th as White Cane Awareness Day. A white can is a crucial mobility tool and symbol of independence. This day celebrates the accomplishments of blind and visually impaired people. Though canes have been used for centuries, the white cane was introduced in the early 20th century to be more visible. Traffic regulations to assist blind persons speak to the use of the white cane.
Contact:
Sheryl Brown, President/CEO at 813-251-2407 or Sheryl.brown@lighthouseblv.org for more information.
About the Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision
Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision provides on-site comprehensive rehabilitation programs for persons who are blind or visually impaired in two locations in Florida. On-site services are provided in Tampa and in Winter Haven for persons residing in Hillsborough, Polk, and Hardee counties.
Our training programs are designed to help individuals who have recently lost part or all their vision to gain the skills needed to perform daily living tasks independently and maintain their employment using assistive technology and devices.
Visit lighthouseblv.org to learn more or to contact us if you or someone you know has an uncorrectable visual impairment that significantly affects daily activities or interferes with employment and employment related tasks. You can also connect with us on Facebook