- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) announced the recipients of the 4th Annual Meg Robertson Mobility Award during the White Cane Awareness Day Celebration on October 18 at the Massachusetts State House. This award recognizes the transformative impact of the white cane on the lives of Massachusetts residents who are legally blind, celebrating individuals who demonstrate exceptional mobility skills.
Listen: 2024 White Cane Awareness Day Celebration
Named in honor of retired MCB Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Director Meg Robertson, the award reflects her 30 years of dedication, hard work, and advocacy within the blindness community.
Winners are selected in three categories: Youth, Adult, and DeafBlind, with nominations submitted by O&M specialists who see firsthand how the white cane enhances the lives of these remarkable individuals.
DeafBlind Award: Maria Girnius
The DeafBlind recipient is Maria Girnius, who attended the event alongside her nominator, Georgia Wattendorf-Guiney. Georgia, who has worked with Maria since 2016, praised her determination and spirit.
“Maria lives at the Wrentham Developmental Center and is well cared for by her staff, but she most definitely likes to be independent as much as possible,” Georgia said. “She may be non-verbal, but she can communicate by gestures and vocalizations what she likes and dislikes. And she most likes to use her white cane over a human guide.”
Using an Adaptive Mobility Device (AMD), or push cane, Maria navigates confidently from her residence to her day program. Georgia emphasized the significance of Maria's cane: “Her AMD provides better protection than a long white cane and gives her the personal space and independence she prefers while providing her with the necessary information and protection she requires as she moves throughout her environment.”
MCB O&M Director Ally Bull presented Maria with a special plaque in braille, celebrating her achievements.
Youth Award: Maddelynn Burdette
The Youth recipient is 16-year-old Maddie Burdette, a student at Pittsfield High School. Although Maddie could not attend the event, her nominator, Lynn Shortis, highlighted her journey with her white cane.
Maddie, who is totally blind, began using an alternative mobility device at age seven and transitioned to a long white cane in 8th grade. She embraced her cane, quickly navigating her school environment with ease. Now a 10th grader, Maddie continues to perfect her skills.
“Maddie’s O&M skills are phenomenal, and she soars,” Lynn wrote. “Her cane has become a symbol of her ability to overcome challenges and her independence, whether she’s at school or with her family.”
Adult Award: Evon Manning
The Adult recipient is Evon Manning, who was nominated by Michela Meaney, the MCB O&M specialist serving consumers in Central Massachusetts. Although Evon could not be present, Michela’s nomination captured her journey.
“When I first met Evon in May of 2023, she had little experience with a white cane but a sense of eagerness to learn all that she could to reach her goal of becoming a guide dog user,” Michela shared. Evon embraced every opportunity to improve. Through practice, she mastered essential techniques, including street crossings and escalators.
A significant milestone occurred when Evon attended The Carroll Center for the Blind for a two-week program, the longest she had been away from her family. This past July, with her newfound confidence, she returned to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York to begin the training needed to be paired with a dog guide. Evon’s growth has allowed her to walk with her husband independently.
“Evon has claimed that Orientation and Mobility Services have made an indelible mark on her life as well as her family's life,” Michela noted.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Though Meg Robertson could not attend the celebration, her legacy resonated during the event. The Meg Robertson Mobility Award serves as a reminder of the essential role the white cane plays in fostering independence and confidence for people who are blind or have low vision. This year’s award recipients embody the spirit of determination and resilience that Meg championed throughout her career, showcasing how the white cane can
