October 15th is the 60th Annual White Cane Awareness Day! For Blind people, the white cane is essential to achieving a full and independent life. White canes are tools which extend the senses, allowing a Blind person to hear and touch their surroundings and react quickly and confidently. Whether avoiding obstacles, finding steps and curbs, locating doorways or interacting with the world, Blind people can use the white cane to explore the world around them.
As a reminder, when you see a Blind person using a white cane, there is no need to shout, yell, honk, or even physically grab them. If they need help, they will ask. Remember to follow state traffic laws. In the state of Iowa, pedestrians carrying a white cane or using a guide dog have absolute right-of-way. This means that, as a driver, you must come to a complete stop and allow the person to pass without honking your horn.
