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CONTACT: Beth Kaplan, (608) 266-1683
OCTOBER 15TH IS WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY
Drivers Should Watch for Blind or Visually Impaired
Pedestrians
MADISON—October 15th is White Cane Safety Day and drivers are
reminded to obey Wisconsin law by stopping at least 10 feet away from
blind or visually impaired pedestrians crossing the street carrying a
white cane or using a dog guide, according to the Wisconsin Department of
Health Services.
Blind or visually impaired pedestrians can be identified by a white
cane or walking stick that is trimmed with red and held in an extended or
raised position. Dog guides are another indicator. There are approximately
200,000 individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Wisconsin.
"White Cane Safety Day encourages us to be especially mindful and
respectful of pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired, not only on
this day, but every day of the year," said Dennis G. Smith,
Department of Health Services Secretary.
To receive additional information about white cane safety requirements,
please contact the Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired at
888-879-0017.
Additional organizations for blind and visually impaired individuals
include:
Wisconsin Council of the Blind and
Visually Impaired, 800-783-5213
Badger Association of the Blind
and Visually Impaired, 877-258-9200,
Wisconsin Regional
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 800-242-8822,
County
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
American Foundation for the Blind,
800-232-5463
American Council of the Blind,
800-424-8666
National Federation of the
Blind, 410-659-9314
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Last Revised:
November 15, 2012
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