Envision Celebrates White Cane Day with a Walking Event and a City Proclamation
By Holly Herring • Oct 04, 2022
Blog Content
Envision Celebrates White Cane Day with a Walking Event and a City Proclamation
The National Holiday On October 15th Recognizes The White Cane as an Important Safety Travel and Navigation Tool For Pedestrians Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Wichita, Kan. (Oct. 5, 2022) – White Cane Day in October will be recognized as an official city proclamation by Brandon Whipple, Mayor of the City of Wichita, along with the Wichita City Council. Envision, a local nonprofit that improves the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired, will accept the proclamation at a city council meeting and celebrate with members of the public on Saturday, October 15th at 10 a.m.
Envision has invited the public to join on October 15 for a walking demonstration that will start and end at the Wichita Advanced Learning Library downtown. Whether you are blind, low vision or typically sighted, everyone is welcome to join Envision to celebrate and raise awareness for White Cane Day. Those who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to walk with their white canes. Registration is FREE and all ages are welcome. All donations benefit Envision’s Community Programs.
White Cane Day is a national observance, celebrated on October 15 of each year since 1964. The holiday represents travel independence for those who are blind or visually impaired and advocates for motorists to be extra alert in observing those using white canes and guide dogs.
“As a Wichitan who is completely blind, I am grateful to our Wichita city leaders for recognizing how important this holiday is to our community,” said Teresa Houston, Director, Cathy G. Hudson Envision Child Development Center. “We need to celebrate White Cane Day to increase awareness of being inclusive to all – including those who are blind or visually impaired.”
Envision employee Mika Pyyhkala is also entirely blind and travels back and forth from Boston, Mass. to Wichita often for work. He navigates airports, sidewalks, public transportation and more by himself with help of his white cane and other assistive tools.
“The white cane, guide dog, and accessible technology are key solutions used every day by people who are blind and visually impaired across the country,” said Mika, director of digital accessibility at Envision’s Workforce Innovation Center. “I am proud to work for a company that is working hard to advance full inclusion, provide opportunities, and improve the quality of life of the blind and visually impaired community."
As the largest employer of individuals who are blind or visually impaired in the region, Envision is passionate about normalizing the use of white canes, and advancing independence and opportunity for those with low vision. Join or support Envision’s White Cane Day activities by engaging with them on Facebook or Instagram and follow the Facebook event. If you need assistance, contact programs@envisionus.com.
About Envision: Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.
Media Contact: Holly Herring, Marketing Manager, Envision, Inc.
Office: 316-440-1531 | Email: media@envisionus.com
