Celebrating an Extraordinary Blindness Independence Day

One of the most enjoyable events I have the privilege of managing each year is Dallas White Cane Safety Day.

This year, our North Texas event was pure edutainment. On October 15th, over 200 people gathered at Dallas City Hall to celebrate the 55th anniversary of President Johnson’s White Cane Day proclamation. The festivities began at 10:00 A.M and proceeded until around 1:00 in the afternoon. We heard amazing speakers give highly educational remarks on important topics like solo travel and other aspects of independent living for people with blindness. I had the privilege of introducing all of our amazing guest speakers, and I used my engaging talk show approach that gets the audience energized.

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson went the extra mile in bringing people with blindness who travel solo using white canes and dog guides into the public eye. The President communicated optimism on the topic of travel independence for people who are blind, while reminding drivers to use caution.

This year, North Texans with blindness weren’t the only participants. Approximately 55 fully sighted students representing Dallas Independence City Lab High School and their teacher in architecture class were there to observe and serve. Their enthusiasm and desire to volunteer in every needed way was much appreciated. These high school students had a unique occasion to hear and see several exceptionally skilled people with blindness living life to the fullest. There were also about 20 elementary and middle school students preparing for their bright futures. The students were accompanied by their specialized teachers, and were reinforced through this event that having low or no vision isn’t going to stop them from achieving as much as people with all 5 common senses.

One of 18 inspiring presenters was an Assistive Technology teacher with Envision Dallas who has used dog guides for 50 years. Donna shared an exciting travel story. There were also representatives from the Dallas Elections Committee demonstrating blind-accessible voting machines. Another speaker was Ted Harper, president of American Council of the Blind of Texas, Dallas Chapter. This generous group was the sole sponsor for 20 brand-new collapsible White Canes which replaced broken ones for participants in need. One of my most inspiring participants is Reymundo Anthony. He enjoyed a successful 40-year career in healthcare as a social worker in the emergency room. Reymundo lost his sight right after retirement because of a stroke. His speech is perfect, and he exhibits an amazing attitude, as he takes on brand-new methods of keep accomplishing what he wants to.

Chelsea Nguyen returned from Houston, to participate in our Dallas festivities. She is an Image Consultant who offers her skills to help people who can’t look in a mirror. She shows them how to properly apply cosmetics and give them best grooming practices. Several people stopped by and learned how Chelsea can help them right through the FaceTime feature on their smart phones.

I am grateful for all of the encouraging feedback for Dallas White Cane Safety Day 2019. Mary Witherspoon, who works with American Foundation for the Blind, said “Blake, you had great speakers, fantastic sponsors and terrific flow of events. Your attention and networking really makes White Cane Safety Day shine in Dallas.” Joseph Noland was a speaker and is a key Transition Counselor with Texas Workforce Solutions. Joseph said, “Outstanding job, Blake! So glad to have participated in this great event this year! The community really came together for this event.” 25-year veteran TV sports personality Mike Doocy with FOX 4 is a longtime supporter of the Envision Dallas mission. “Thank you, Blake, for inviting me to come be inspired again,” said Mike.

I want to express my personal gratitude to all who were able to attend the biggest, best White Cane Safety Day I have ever been privileged to facilitate. We appreciate our supportive sponsors and volunteers for making this memorable celebration another resounding success. If you would like to see the complete program, follow this link: www.blakelindsay.com/videos