October is not just a time a scary costumes and candy, but it is also a month of recognition. October 15th, to be specific, is designated as the U.S. White Cane Day which brings awareness to visually impaired people. 

A law was enacted in 1959 to declare white cane law in Pennsylvania which eventually led to the one that we see today: every driver of a vehicle must yield the right of way to a blind pedestrian visibly carrying a white cane or a guide dog. The white cane with red on the bottom is an indicator to the public so that they are aware of a person’s situation. 

“White Cane Safety Day” was first proclaimed in 1964 by President Lydon B. Johnson with its original intention to be a safety reminder that promoted courtesy and special consideration to those visually impaired across the country. The day has since grown to become a celebration of the self-sufficiency of people who are visually impaired or blind and their right to fully participate in society. 

The Keystone Blind Association, a nonprofit organization that provides services and employment for blind and disabled individuals, has continued the tradition as they focus more on the symbol of independence that the white cane represents.