MCB White Cane Awareness Day Celebration

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind is excited to announce our annual White Cane Day celebration will be held in-person for the first time in four years. The event was held virtually the last three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Date: Friday, October 13, 2023

Time: 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. (Doors open at 10:30 A.M.)

Location: Massachusetts State House – Great Hall, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

The Ashburton Park Entrance on Bowdoin Street is the accessible entrance for the State House. Visitors using The RIDE or a rideshare service, like Uber and Lyft, can 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 guests.

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

Refreshments will be 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 & sugar

The white cane is recognized around the world as a means for identifying and empowering people who are blind and visually impaired.

On October 15, 1964, White Cane Day became a national observation in the United States to celebrate the abilities and achievements of people who are blind and visually impaired.

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.

The Governor is issuing a proclamation to commemorate the observance of White Cane Awareness Day in Massachusetts.

We will announce the winners of the 3rd Annual Meg Robertson Mobility Award which recognizes people who demonstrate mobility skills at their level and incorporate the white cane into their lives to increase independence.

We are excited to welcome the following organizations which will be hosting resource tables at the event:

• City of Boston Disabilities Commission
• Massachusetts Audio Information Network
• MBTA Mobility Center
• MBTA Department of System-Wide Accessibility
• MBTA Public Engagement Department
• MCB/DDS Partnership Project 
• Northeast Resource Center for Vision Education (NERCVE)
• Partners for Youth with Disabilities
• Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library
• Perkins School for the Blind
• The Carroll Center for the Blind
• Work Without Limits

ASL interpreting and CART services have been requested.

Learn more about Massachusetts State House Accessibility.

If you require an ADA accommodation, please submit the online request form or contact MCB's ADA Coordinator Shauntay M. King at (617) 894-4352 or Shauntay.M.King@mass.gov at least two weeks prior to the event. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations.