_______________________________________
Fort Worth / Tarrant County Celebrates
White Cane Day
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The white cane in our society has become one of the symbols of a blind person’s ability to come and go on his own. Its use has promoted courtesy and special consideration to the blind on our streets and highways. To make our 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 Congress, by a joint resolution approved as of October 6, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim a day in October each year as White Cane Safety Day.
Tuesday, October 13th was "White Cane Day" in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. A rally and walk was held to commemorate this historic day that celebrates the independence of residents in our community who are blind or visually impaired. For the estimated 6,000 residents of Fort Worth and Tarrant Co. who are blind or have significant vision loss, this is considered to be "Independence Day" symbolized by the white cane and dog guide that assists many people with safe travel and mobility. The long white cane and dog guide also represent its owners ability to live independently and contribute to the life of our community.
Beginning at 9:00am an estimated 100 blind and sighted individuals of all ages gathered on the east lawn of the Tarrant County Courthouse to hear a proclamation read proclaiming Oct. 13th as "White Cane Day" in Tarrant County. Participants then walked down Main St.and gathered on the patio of the 8.0 restaurant for a rally and to hear remarks from representatives with the City of Fort Worth acknowledging "White Cane Day" in Fort Worth. Presidents of the local National Federation of the Blind and American Council of the Blind chapters addressed the attendees.
"The T" provided free bus service from the Lighthouse for the Blind to transport individuals to the event. The bus left the Lighthouse for the Blind at 912 West Broadway at 8:30 a.m. and returned following the conclusion of the morning's activities.
Sponsors of "White Cane Day" included the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth, area Lions Clubs, DARS/Division for Blind Services, Prevent Blindness Texas - Ft. Worth Branch, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, local membership of the National Federation of the Blind and American Council of the Blind.
___________________________________________