The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri applauds Governor Mike Parson for recently issuing a proclamation declaring October 15 as White Cane Awareness Day.

A press release says the proclamation serves as a means to acknowledge the usefulness of the White Cane as a “simple yet effective tool of independence that contributes to the self-sufficiency of individuals who are blind and visually impaired and symbolizes their ability to achieve a full and independent life and their capacity to work productively in competitive employment.”

The proclamation also encourages all Missourians to show respect for those who carry the white cane, to honor their many achievements, and to reaffirm the commitment to improving access to basic services and opportunities for persons who are blind and visually impaired. In addition, the Governor’s Proclamation recognizes the prominent role of the National Federation of the Blind in bringing about public understanding of the blind by establishing “the annual observance of ‘White Cane Awareness Day,” ‘ which “emphasizes the need for all Americans to be aware of the presence of persons with disabilities in our communities and to work together to keep the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, facilities, and places of public accommodation, amusement, and resort safe and functional to the disability community.”

Though the National Federation of the Blind works year-round to increase public awareness about issues affecting the blind, it is during October that we put forth an extra effort. October is “Meet the Blind Month”, a time when members of the National Federation of the Blind go into communities to spread the message that blindness does not hold us back from living rewarding and productive lives. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s “Meet the Blind Month” will be implemented in a socially-distant and virtual manner, but the message will still be the same. Blind people from across the political spectrum will also make their voices heard this fall whether they vote in-person or vote absentee. The importance of blind voters participating in the Blind Voter Survey to report good or bad voting experiences cannot be overemphasized. The National Federation of the Blind will use this data to approach elected officials to make the voting process more accessible for the blind. The Help America Vote Act provides for an accessible voting machine at every precinct during federal elections. The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri is thus working hard to persuade the legislature to have accessible voting machines at every polling place in local and state elections as well. We are also working with election officials to ensure that in future elections, blind people will be able to preserve their right to independently cast a secret ballot if they choose to vote absentee.