White Cane Safety Day » ElderCare of Alachua County

A vertically oriented informational flyer with a blue background titled “What You Need to Know About The White Cane.” Below the title, the flyer reads “October 15 — White Cane Safety Day.”
On the left side of the flyer are two photos showing individuals using white canes outdoors. The photos focus on the lower half of the individuals, showing the white canes with red tips being used on sidewalks near a bench and trees.
On the right side of the flyer is informational text explaining that White Cane Safety Day was established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to improve public awareness of people using a white cane for safe, independent travel. The text explains that the white cane is used by people who are legally blind to travel safely and independently. It also states that the white cane detects obstacles and drop-offs, provides information about the environment being traveled through, and alerts others that the user is legally blind.
Below this section is a heading that reads “Did You Know?” followed by text referencing Florida Motor Vehicle Statute 316.1301, subsection 2. The statute explains that when a pedestrian using a guide dog or a white cane, or a white cane tipped with red, is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, drivers must bring their vehicle to a full stop and take necessary precautions to avoid injuring the pedestrian.
At the bottom of the flyer is a “Resources” section. On the left, it lists “Independence with Low Vision Program” with the phone number 352-810-9117 and the website eldercare.ufhealth.org/services/independencewithlowvision. On the right, it lists “Florida Division of Blind Services” with the phone number 352-955-2075 and the website dbs.fldoe.org.
The flyer includes curved red and white design elements along the bottom edge for visual emphasis.

Did you know? October 15 each year is White Cane Safety Day. It was established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to improve public awareness of people using a white cane for safe, independent travel.

The white cane is used by people who are legally blind to travel safely and independently. The white cane detects obstacles and drop offs, provides information about the environment being traveled through and alerts others that the user is legally blind.

Florida Motor Vehicle Statue 316.1301 (2) states that whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.

For additional information about white canes and independent travels for individuals with vision loss contact:

Independence with Low Vision Program
352-810-9117
Eldercare.UFHealth.org/services/independencewithlowvision

Or:

Florida Division of Blind Services
352-955-2075
dbs.fldoe.org