White Cane "Walk for Awareness"

Issues the event hoped to educate the public about were:

• A white cane, with or without a red tip, is used to identify a person who is blind or visually impaired in all fifty states and most countries around the world.

• Many partially sighted people use a white cane to ensure safety in travel.

• Operators of all vehicles are required to come to a complete stop when a pedestrian with a raised or extended white cane or being conducted by a dog guide undertakes to cross any public street or thoroughfare, under penalty of law.

• Under penalty of law, only people who are blind or visually impaired are allowed to carry or use a white cane or walking stick.

• Congress passed a law in 1964 to call upon the President to proclaim October 15 of each year "White Cane Safety Day," and to call upon all citizens to consider the rights and abilities of people who are blind or visually impaired in appropriate activities and celebrations.

"It went well," said Ms. Sessions on completing the Walk for Awareness, "I don't think anybody fell down."