White Cane Day traveled to Auburn University for its 11th annual walk to raise awareness for those who are visually impaired in the Auburn community and across Alabama. Attendees walked together from Toomer's Corner to Jordan-Hare Stadium to symbolize that those with vision impairment have independence like anyone else.
The event was kicked off with music. The Alabama School for the Blind Band performed the national anthem, along with a speech from Alabama House Representative Joe Lovvorn, where he read a proclamation from Governor Kay Ivey, officially making Oct. 15 White Cane Day.
“We need to recognize people don’t have disabilities, they have different abilities,” Ivey said.
Lovvorn was grateful that White Cane Day traveled to Auburn for their walk and that Auburn as a community is happy to host White Cane Day in the city.
“Welcome to Auburn and we are glad you are here,” Lovvorn said. “We are honored to have you in our community and glad you can be part of the Auburn family for the day.”
White Cane Day is put together by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Alabama Institution for the Deaf and Blind, along with the National Federation of the Blind. Since 2011, they have traveled across Alabama to do the walk, but this was the first time the event has been hosted in Auburn.
Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw, commissioner for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, talked about the history of the day on a national scale.
“White Cane Day is a national event that started in 1964, with President Lyndon B. Johnson, to recognize the importance of the white cane," Burdeshaw said. "White Cane Day represents independence and access.”
Dennis Gillam, president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind talked about what White Cane Day is and what it symbolizes.
“White Cane Day celebrates the independence of those who are visually impaired and shows they have the ability to do whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want,” Gillam said. “That is critical to us because we support our constituents who are visually impaired and want outward representation for who they are. We at AIOB want to thank Auburn University, Representative Lovvorn and Commissioner Burdeshaw for their support and for making this event happen.”
Kellee Malinauskas, O&M specialist at the Alabama Department of Rehab Services, said she wants to raise awareness about White Cane Day and wants people to know how they can come and get involved in future walks.
“White Cane Day in Alabama is the time for people with vision loss, their families, their friends and those who are a part of the community to come and be unified together,” Malinauskas said. “All are welcome, whether your sight is perfect, or you are visually impaired, we want your support and want you to be a part of this truly special event.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
