News  Read Governor Healey's White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation

A Proclamation 

Whereas, Every citizen of the Commonwealth has the right to lead a full and independent life, one which includes education, productive employment, and access to the community; and 

Whereas, By allowing every citizen who is blind to move freely and safely from place to place, the a white cane enhances an individual’s potential for full participation in society as a citizen of  the Commonwealth; and 

Whereas, We recognize the importance of Orientation and Mobility training for children and adults in learning how to use a white cane to access the community; and 

Whereas, The law requires that motorists come to a full stop when a pedestrian, using a white cane or dog guide dog is crossing a street; and 

Whereas, Through public awareness, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts encourages all citizens to recognize the a white cane as a tool of independence for pedestrians who are blind, 

Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 15th 2023, to be, 

White Cane Awareness Day 

And urge all residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. 

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first day of October, in the year two thousand and twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-seventh. 

By Her Excellency 

Maura T. Healey 

Governor of the Commonwealth 

Kimberley Driscoll 

Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth 

William Francis Galvin 

Secretary of the Commonwealth 

2023 White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation