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President Lyndon Johnson declared October 15th to White Cane Safety day back in 1964. It is now celebrated internationally as White Cane Awareness day as the emphasis has shifted from safety to independence over time.

Here are a few white cane facts.

• A blind pedestrian walking with a white cane or a guide dog has the right of way. Drivers, cyclists, and scooter riders are required by law to yield to them.
• White Cane Awareness Day events occur in most major cities.
• White cane training is a required first step to getting a guide dog. The term Orientation and Mobility Instruction, or just O & M, is used.
• In Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission is in charge of helping blind Texans find white can training.