Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Recognizes White Cane Awareness Day

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed October 15, 2023, as White Cane Awareness Day in Massachusetts, celebrating the independence and mobility of the approximately 30,000 residents of the Commonwealth who are blind and visually impaired, while raising public awareness of critical measures that everyone in Massachusetts can take to help ensure the safety of our blind and visually impaired neighbors.  

Many Massachusetts residents with visual impairments use a travel aid, such as a white cane or dog guide, to get around public streets, sidewalks and other public places. Through various outreach initiatives, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is working to increase awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts, which requires drivers to stop for pedestrians using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings. Violators can face a fine of up to $500 for each offense.  

“We are continuing to make an effort to educate the public about the White Cane Law and want everyone in Massachusetts to feel safe and independent, especially those who are blind and visually impaired,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are raising awareness for the ways in which visually impaired individuals get around so that drivers can be more attentive and help us enhance the safety of all pedestrians.” 

“Universally recognized as the leading symbol of blindness, the white cane allows people who are blind and visually impaired to navigate their environment and explore the world around them,” said Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll. “Everyone should feel confident and comfortable traveling safely and independently in our communities – at school, work, and in their neighborhoods.” 

“White Cane Awareness Day reminds us of the role we all play in keeping our communities safe for everyone,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “It is also important to remember that for people who are blind or visually impaired, the White Cane is a tool that supports their ability to explore, navigate and enjoy their communities.” 

“Our efforts to promote continuing awareness and the significance of the white cane will help drivers understand the need to exercise special care,” said MCB Commissioner John Oliveira. “Pedestrian safety is crucial to our consumers who are especially vulnerable to inattentive drivers.” 

Throughout October, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is displaying White Cane Awareness Month billboards at approximately 200 locations across the Commonwealth and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is displaying a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) video on monitors at Service Centers.  

“The White Cane Law is instrumental to keeping our roadways safe and providing mobility options for people who are blind and visually impaired, allowing them to travel independently,” said Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We are proud to partner with MCB in raising awareness around this important law.”  

MCB’s Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) evaluate each consumer’s unique needs for mobility equipment, including a white cane, support cane, or dog guide recommendation. COMS provide instruction on the use of these mobility devices and develop individualized travel training programs within a consumer’s home, workplace, and community. 

“Pedestrian safety advocacy for our consumers takes center stage during White Cane Awareness Day but is a year-round effort at MCB,” said MCB Orientation and Mobility Director Allyson Bull. “We must build on this momentum and use this observance as a springboard to a year-round commitment of making our streets accessible.”   

MCB also launched mass.gov/whitecane and a promotional toolkit with information and marketing materials in different languages to help promote awareness of the white cane and the White Cane Law in Massachusetts. MCB serves residents of the Commonwealth who are legally blind by providing social rehabilitation and employment opportunities with the goal of increasing independence and community participation. 

MCB’s annual White Cane Awareness Day Celebration is being held at the Massachusetts State House on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 11 A.M.

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