News  Beverly Mayor Recognizes Meg Robertson Mobility Award Recipient

BOSTON — Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill proclaimed Friday, October 13, 2023, as Nikolas Hourican Day in the City of Beverly, the same day the 16-year-old high school junior was recognized as the youth recipient of the third annual Meg Robertson Mobility Award.

Presented during the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind’s White Cane Awareness Day Celebration at the Massachusetts State House, the Meg Robertson Mobility Award recognizes residents of the Commonwealth who incorporate the white cane into their lives to increase their independence.

“Nikolas takes his cane with him everywhere he goes,” said Erin Buckley, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the Northshore Education Consortium, who has worked with Nikolas the past two years. “He said he doesn't feel right if he doesn't have his cane.”

Nikolas has a rare genetic disorder causing both eye disease and kidney disease, leaving him legally blind since age three, which is when he started receiving orientation and mobility training. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease, he received a kidney transplant in 2021 from a family friend.

“Nikolas has central vision with good acuity,” said Buckley. “This would be a reason for many teens to attempt to ‘pass’ as sighted and not use a cane to blend in. He is mature enough to realize he is protected by his cane even though he has a small window of useful vision.”

Nikolas has many great foundational skills to become an independent traveler. He takes the bus home from school with his high school peers and can independently walk home from the bus stop. He has learned and used many safety techniques such as crossing with the parallel near-lane traffic, locating pedestrian signals, and alternating his cane technique according to circumstances. He has started using the Commuter Rail in Beverly and is learning the locations of the MBTA bus stops. He is very adept in technology, in general, and puts this to use by easily navigating maps and transportation websites. He has very strong orientation and problem-solving skills.

“You are the reason for Nikolas being the great person he is,” said Buckley of Nikolas’ family. “This is a story of a loving family that bands together to get through life’s challenges – past, present, and future.”

“Nikolas and his family have inspired our community, and his advocacy has and will continue to influence mobility efforts in the City of Beverly,” said Mayor Cahill in his proclamation.

Nikolas continues to be a strong advocate for himself. He hosts presentations for his peers on visual impairment and the cane.

Whereas, Nikolas Hourican and his family are longtime residents of Beverly and currently live in Ryle Side neighborhood of Beverly; and

Whereas, Nikolas was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder causing both eye disease and kidney disease, leaving him legally blind since he was 3; and

Whereas, After being diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease, Nikolas received a kidney transplant in January 2021 from a family friend and fellow Beverly resident Kamie Fessenden; and

Whereas, Nikolas is now a junior at Beverly High School and has never let anything stop him from living life to the fullest, and

Whereas, Nikolas has never given up and has worked with his Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Erin Buckley, to learn safety techniques and become a strong advocate for himself; and

Whereas, Nikolas uses his cane wherever he goes, including on public transportation and walking home from the bus stop; and 

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

Whereas, In 1964, White Cane Day became a national observance in October to celebrate the abilities and achievements of people who are blind and visually impaired; and

Whereas, Today, October 13, 2023, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind will honor and award Nikolas the 3rd Annual Meg Robertson Mobility Award which recognizes individuals who have used their white cane as a tool for independence; and 

Whereas, Nikolas and his family have inspired our community and his advocacy has and will continue to influence mobility efforts in the City of Beverly. 

Whereas, in celebration of Nikolas' perseverance and independence, as well as this accomplishment, I, Michael P. Cahill, Mayor of Beverly, do hereby proclaim, Friday, October 13, 2023 as Nikolas Hourican Day in the City of Beverly. 

Now therefore, I ask that all the residents of Beverly and those present here today join me in extending our congratulations and sincere appreciation to Nikolas.