October 3, 2018
For blind and visually impaired people, the white cane is a critical tool that makes it possible to have a full and independent life. It allows them to move safely from place to place, whether it’s at home, work, school or in their communities.
Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, National Federation of the Blind – Cincinnati Chapter, and Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will join forces Monday, October 8 to celebrate White Cane Awareness Day and Meet the Blind Month. Participants will board Metro busses at 9 am – an important tool for blind and visually impaired individuals to be independent – to travel to a ceremony at Cincinnati City Hall to celebrate the events, followed a White Cane Walk to Fountain Square for a fun series of awareness-building events, and then a ride on the Cincinnati Street Car to end the day.
“White Cane Awareness Day and Meet the Blind Month are our way of celebrating those in our communities with blindness or visual impairment, who often go unseen,” said Chris Faust, president and CEO of Clovernook. “White canes were an important tool in fighting for the rights of the blind, and we’re focusing today on their ability to allow folks the independence many take for granted.”
“It’s been a long-standing partnership of CABVI with the National Federation of the Blind to support raising awareness of the white cane and those individuals who are blind in our community,” said John Mitchell, President/CEO of Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
- 8:45 a.m.: Participants meet at Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
- 9 a.m.: Take bus to Walnut and 8th Street
- 10:30 a.m.: Meet at City Hall
- 11 a.m.: Ceremony celebrating White Cane Awareness and Meet the Blind Month at City Hall
- 11:30 a.m.: White Cane Walk to Fountain Square
- 12 p.m.: Fountain Square event to raise awareness of issues facing blind and visually impaired individuals
- 12:30 p.m.: Fun surprise event
- 1:20 p.m.: Ride around Cincinnati Street Car loop to bring awareness of needs for blind and visually impaired riders, who often rely on public transit options
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About Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Since 1903, Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been providing life-enriching opportunities and empowering people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and full participants in their communities. Adult programs, employment services and youth activities, as well as arts and recreation departments provide critical services to those that need it. The Braille Printing House prints books, magazines and other materials for the National Library Services and braille patrons worldwide while providing employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals. For more information, visit www.clovernook.org.
Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Since 1911, CABVI provides counseling, vision rehabilitation, and employment services to help more than 5,800 people annually of all ages adapt to severe vision loss in the Greater Cincinnati region. This includes early childhood, low vision, daily living, access technology and safe travel training. CABVI provides employment in our Industries Program and sells office products through www.VieAbility.org .CABVI also operates a Base Supply Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and provides employment in Contract Management Services. CABVI’s mission is “Empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with opportunities to seek independence.” For more information, please call (513) 221-8558 or visit www.cincyblind.org.
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