Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will celebrate White Cane Day in Miami on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., an estimated 200 people of all ages will walk from Miami Lighthouse, at 601 S.W. 8th Ave., south across 8th Street and down to 7th Avenue, and then will continue the celebration with food, music featuring the Miami Lighthouse musicians, a keynote speaker and special presentations.
White Cane Day commemorates the independence of the blind and visually impaired community and will be held at Miami Lighthouse where it has been located since 1931. “White Cane Day is important for Miami-Dade County residents because it makes people more aware of the tools used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired that allow them to lead independent, productive lives,” said Virginia A. Jacko, President & CEO of Miami Lighthouse. “White Cane Day is even more special for us this year, as Miami Lighthouse celebrates its 80 years of service along with the abilities and achievements of people with blindness or visual impairments.”
This year’s event includes a ceremony honoring outgoing Florida Division of Blind Services District Administrator Gail Sterner presented by Paul Edwards, Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and Virginia A. Jacko. The White Cane Day Grand Marshal is City of Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez, and the keynote speaker is David New, Founder of Ability Explosion. The signature sponsor of the event is Amerigroup Community Care. Other event sponsors include Noven Pharmaceuticals, breakfast sponsored by Lions Club International, Starbucks and Arahis Bakery, lunch provided through the generosity of Burger King and Lions for the Blind.

For individuals who are blind or have significant vision impairment, White Cane Day is considered to be ‘Independence Day’ and is symbolized by the white cane that assists many people for safe travel and mobility. President Lyndon B. Johnson instituted White Cane Safety Day in 1964 with a proclamation declaring the day as a safety reminder to promote consideration of the blind on the streets and roadways. Since this first observance, White Cane Day has taken on greater meaning as a time to celebrate the independence of the blind and their right to participate fully in society.