National White Cane Safety Day Celebrates 46th Anniversary

October 15^th marked the 46^th anniversary of National White Cane Safety Day, the tool which provides freedom and independence for people who are visually impaired.

In a statement issued by the White House, the President stated that canes, along with other tools such as Braille and electronic readers, have allowed students with visual impairments to have access to educational facilities and materials that help them reach their potential. 

Stating  that the Administration is, “still committed to ensuring that electronic readers and other electronic equipment used by schools, including postsecondary institutions, are accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired”, President Obama  continued to note that the Administration is also, “providing guidance and technical assistance to help colleges and universities fully comply with the legal requirements to use emerging technology that is accessible to all students in the classroom.”

One way in which the White House has shown their commitment to expanding opportunities for the visually impaired is with the signing of the Twenty‑First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, legislation which will make it easier for people who are deaf, blind, or live with a visual impairment to use the technology our 21st‑century economy depends on, such as navigating digital menus on a television and sending emails on a smart phone. Furthermore, President Obama signed an Executive Order that directed executive agencies and departments to increase recruitment of people with disabilities for governmental positions.

CEC commends the Administration for honoring National White Cane Safety Day and for pledging to ensure that technology used in the classroom and in the marketplace is accessible for all individuals.