From the Associate Editor: Every chapter and affiliate is encouraged to request that their state or local government issue a proclamation recognizing White Cane Awareness Day (also known as White Cane Safety Day, although we prefer the former) on October 15. A template proclamation is available at https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-month . Here is what South Carolina’s governor said in his version of the proclamation for 2024:
WHEREAS, the white cane, which every blind citizen of South Carolina has the right to carry, demonstrates and symbolizes the ability to achieve a full and independent life and the capacity to work productively in competitive employment; and
WHEREAS, by allowing every blind person to move freely and safely from place to place, the white cane makes it possible for the blind to fully participate in and contribute to our society and to live the lives they want; and
WHEREAS, every citizen should be aware that the law requires that motorists and cyclists exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind person carrying a white cane; and
WHEREAS, South Carolina state law also calls upon employers, both public and private, to be aware of and utilize the employment skills of our blind citizens by recognizing their worth as individuals and their productive capacities; and
WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina has promoted independent living, mobility training, Braille literacy rights, and voting and jury duty rights, not to mention the White Cane Law passed in 1972; and
WHEREAS, the South Carolina Commission for the Blind came into existence in 1966 by the National Federation of the Blind advocating for legislation in order that this state agency shall assist in implementing vocational, assistive technology, Braille and computer literacy so the blind may find competitive employment and the elderly blind may live independently; and
WHEREAS, the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, celebrating its 175th year of service this year, prepares this generation of blind children for their educational goals; and
WHEREAS, with the cooperative assistance of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, along with the Commission for the Blind and the School for the Blind, South Carolina can and should facilitate the expansion of employment opportunities for greater acceptance of blind persons in the competitive labor market as the General Assembly has done by defeating subminimum wages for the blind and disabled workers in this state going into full effect in 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Henry Dargan McMaster, Governor of the great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2024, as WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY throughout the state and encourage our schools, colleges, and universities to offer full opportunities for training blind persons, employers, and the public to utilize the available skills of competent blind persons, to open new opportunities for the blind in our rapidly changing society, and encourage all South Carolinians to recognize the white cane as a tool of independence for blind pedestrians on our streets and highways.
HENRY DARGAN MCMASTER
GOVERNOR
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA