CLARION CO., Pa. — The Venango County Association for the Blind (VCAB) and Oil Valley Chapter of the PA Council of the Blind will celebrate White Cane and Guide Dog Safety Day on Tuesday, October 18, to raise public awareness of these important mobility tools for people who are blind or visually impaired.
In Pennsylvania, and across the nation, the day celebrates the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired.
VCAB will hold two celebrations.
The first celebration — to be held in Oil City — will consist of a short walk about town. Walkers will gather at 9:30 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church at Central and First and the walk will begin at 10:00 a.m.
The second celebration — to be held in Clarion Borough — will gather at 1:00 p.m. in the Park at 5th Street and the walk will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Kiriam Kraut from the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services will provide Cane and Sighted Guide training at both locations prior to the walk. Participants will either wear Vision Impairment Simulator glasses or Blindfolds or act as a Sighted Guide. Both walks are short and will cross intersections to draw public attention to Safety.
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson first proclaimed October 15 as “White Cane Safety Day.” The original purpose was a safety reminder to promote courtesy and special consideration to blind people who are navigating America’s streets and roadways. Since this first observance, White Cane Safety Day has taken on greater meaning as a time to celebrate the self-sufficiency of people who are blind or visually impaired and their right to participate fully in society. VCAB’s observance of White Cane Safety Day continues that tradition, focusing on the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired with the white cane as a symbol of that independence.
“VCAB’s events seek to heighten awareness about the lives of individuals who are blind and visually impaired in our communities, and the degree of autonomy they achieve through rehabilitation and training,” said Priscilla Earhart, agency Executive Director. “We hope that sighted individuals will learn something new about the white cane, guide dogs, and the people who use them.”
Visually Impaired and Blind individuals will be participating and available to talk about their efforts to have an independent lifestyle. Information regarding services offered by both the Venango County Association for the Blind and the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services will be available so that individuals experiencing vision loss will know how to access them. Members of local Lions Clubs will also be available to share their service goals and welcome inquiries about membership.
Pennsylvania’s White Cane Law states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any totally or partially blind pedestrian carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by a guide dog and shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring or endangering the pedestrian and, if necessary, shall stop the vehicle in order to prevent injury or danger to the pedestrian.”
The Venango Association for the Blind serves Clarion, Forest, and Venango Counties.
Information about services or White Cane Day is available by calling 814-676-1876 or visiting www.pablind.org.
