Blind Americans Equality Day 2021 | Lighthouse Central Florida

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Blind Americans Equality Day 2021

A group of people cross an intersection in single file during 2019 Blind Americans Equality Day celebration. Most are walking with white canes or guide dogs

Please plan to join Lighthouse and a coalition of local advocacy groups and service providers, this Friday, October 15th, for a virtual observance of National Blind Americans Equality Day.

Formerly recognized as White Cane and Guide Dog Safety Day, the annual observance is organized to build awareness and reaffirm Central Florida's commitment to improving access to basic pedestrian safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Though the name of the annual observance has changed, it is important for motorists to understand the safety implications of Florida's White Cane Safety Law.

The statute states in part: 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.

VIRTUAL NATIONAL BLIND AMERICANS EQUALITY DAY

The Blind Experience: Moving Without Limits

Promoting Inclusion and Pedestrian Safety for Visually Impaired

WHO: Greater Orlando Council of the Blind, National Federation of the Blind Florida Chapter, MetroPlan Orlando, Division of Blind Services, Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX), Orange County Public Schools, Florida Department of Transportation, City of Orlando, Bike/Walk Central Florida and Lighthouse Central Florida/Lighthouse Works

WHAT: Annual awareness event in observance of National Blind Americans Equality Day (formerly White Cane Day); Local Government Proclamation presentations; Award Presentations Musical performances

WHERE: ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_91j_EZ6XRVaowsZ4yJy2nw

WHEN: Friday, October 15th | 12 PM -1:30 PM

WHY: Each year this event is organized to build awareness and reaffirm Central Florida’s commitment to improving access to basic pedestrian safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired; though the name of annual observance has changed, it is important for motorists to understand the safety implications of Florida’s White Cane Safety Law.