2024 White Cane Awareness Day Celebration

Registration is now closed.

Join the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Perkins School for the Blind to celebrate the independence of the white cane and help raise awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts which requires drivers to identify and yield to pedestrians using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings.

Date: Friday, October 18, 2024

Time: 10:00 A.M. to 1 P.M. (speaking event starts at 11 A.M.)

Location: Massachusetts State House inside the Great Hall of Flags, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

Attendees will have the opportunity to earn two ACVREP continuing education credits.

Refreshments Provided by Perkins School for the Blind

• Morning pastries
• Fresh baked muffins
• Bagels with toppings
• Fresh cut seasonal fruit salad
• Juices and bottled water
• Coffee service with creamer and sugar

Listen Live

If you are unable to attend the celebration in person, Talking Information Center will broadcast the event live:

• How to Listen

The celebration will also be rebroadcast on all the Massachusetts Audio Information Network member stations.

About the Celebration

This year marks the 60th anniversary of White Cane Day as a national observance. On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of Congress authorized the President to proclaim October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. Just hours later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first proclamation.

Over the years, the white cane has evolved from a simple mobility tool into a powerful symbol of independence and equality. Today, we recognize this day as White Cane Awareness Day. To honor this milestone, the Healey-Driscoll Administration will issue a proclamation, which Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh will read during our event. Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone, co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, will also deliver remarks.

Our celebration will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Kerlyne Pacombe and Kate Katulak Higgins, who will share their personal experiences and reflections on the significance of the white cane. Additionally, we will announce the winners of the Meg Robertson Mobility Award, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional mobility skills and have embraced the white cane to enhance their independence. As a special highlight, pianist Matteo Faso will perform, bringing an uplifting and personal touch.

Resource Tables

The following organizations will be hosting resource tables. Visit them before the speaking event begins at 11 A.M. or after the event concludes at 1 P.M.

• City of Boston Disabilities Commission
• Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Massachusetts Audio Information Network
• Massachusetts Office on Disability
• MBTA Mobility Center
• MBTA Department of System-Wide Accessibility
• MCB/DDS Partnership Project
• New England ADA Center
• Partners for Youth with Disabilities
• Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library 
• Perkins School for the Blind
• The Carroll Center for the Blind
• Work Without Limits

Visiting the Massachusetts State House

The Ashburton Park Entrance on Bowdoin Street is the accessible entrance for the State House.

Visitors using The RIDE or a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, may use Capitol Coffee House at 122 Bowdoin Street as the drop off point address. Capitol Coffee House is across the street from the Ashburton Park Entrance. Guides will be available to assist attendees.

• Information on visiting the Massachusetts State House
• Learn more about Massachusetts State House Accessibility

Questions?

Email mcbinfo@mass.gov or call 800-392-6250

Reasonable Modifications

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing accessible events. ASL interpreting and CART services have been requested. To request a reasonable modification to participate in this event, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Coordinator Shauntay King at 617-894-4352 or Shauntay.M.King@mass.gov. Requests made after October 4, 2024, will be considered but may not be possible to fill.