National White Cane Day

Saturday, October 15^th is National White Cane Day! In order to raise public awareness, Lighthouse of Collier, Inc., in collaboration with Collier Association of the Visually Impaired (CAVI), will be hosting a White Cane Walk on Fifth Ave S in Naples from 10am to 12pm. The White Cane Walk will begin in front of Sugden Theater on Fifth Avenue, just west of Eighth Street and ends at noon at the von Liebig with an opportunity to enjoy docent tours of all Naples Art Association exhibits, to include the “Please Touch Exhibit”, with art created by Lighthouse of Collier clients.

Lighthouse of Collier mobility specialist, Wendy Olson, will have extra white canes to share with people who do not have their own. Ms. Olson works with clients who have impaired vision to become more independent in their daily activities and travel needs.

Florida law states “Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying 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. [White Cane Law: F.S. 316]

The public is invited to walk along and learn about white cane users. Whether you are sighted or visually impaired, come enjoy the fun, visit the “Please Touch Exhibit” and learn how you can get involved.

The mission of the Lighthouse of Collier is to promote the development, implementation, and on-going evaluation of programs and services which foster independence and enhance the quality of life for the blind, visually impaired and their caregivers. To learn more about Lighthouse of Collier please visit lighthouseofcollier.org/events.htm 239-430-EYE4 (3934).