Website: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/white-cane-safety-day
District 4-A1 Contacts: Lisa Rodriguez
joemarcus0406@gmail.com
and Jennifer Gass jengass73@gmail.com
The International White Cane Safety Day is an opportunity for Lions to increase awareness about the white cane, which:
- Alerts motorists of the need to exercise special caution and provide the user the right of way
- Symbolizes the independence, confidence, and skills of the person who is using it
- Signifies that the pedestrian using it is blind or visually impaired
1964: The U.S. Congress approved a resolution authorizing the President of the U.S. to annually issue a proclamation designating October 15th as “National White Cane Safety Day.”
1969: The International Federation of the Blind adopted October 15th* as “International White Cane Safety Day.”
Lions clubs are invited to hold awareness events according to the schedule of the club and the community it serves. *The above-mentioned date is a suggested date as some clubs prefer to have their activities during the school year.
Suggested Activities for Lions
Mobilize your club to partner with local blindness experts, schools, and organizations for the blind to plan your International White Cane Safety Day Awareness’ activity.
- Arrange for a person who is blind to demonstrate the use of the white cane and its benefits and share his or her accomplishments and aspirations with the community or your club.
- Invite a representative from a local school for the blind or a low vision clinic to speak about the white cane, orientation and mobility, and white cane laws in your community.
- Work with your local government officials to create a White Cane Safety Day Proclamation for your event.
- Work with local news media to convey your community’s white cane laws to the public.
Be sure to report your White Cane awareness project or event using Lion Portal.
The Lions Clubs International’s Store has items to help you promote and raise awareness of the “White Cane.”
