HOUSTON- White Cane Safety Day will be observed in Houston to help spread awareness blind pedestrians access to public rights of way. The City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Mayor’s Office of Special Events, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, and numerous community partners have come together to celebrate White Cane Safety day to recognize the white cane and the guide dog as mobility tools that foster safety, dignity, and independence for the blind and visually impaired.
The White Cane Safety Day event will feature a march by blind and visually impaired people and their allies, a speaking program with remarks from Mayor Turner and leaders in the blind and low-vision community, exhibitors, technology demonstrations, non-visual activities, and entertainment.
The event will take place today Thursday, October 19th at Hermann Square in front of City Hall from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm The march will begin promptly at 9:30 AM at the intersection of Main and Walker. To participate in the march, please line up at 915 Walker. The march will end at 902 Smith Street. If you do not plan to participate in the march, go directly to City Hall for the speaking program, which begins at 10:30 am. The exhibitor fair will conclude at 1:30 pm.
The mission of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is to serve as the primary advocate for the rights and needs of citizens with disabilities. The Office also serves as a liaison between the mayor, city council, city departments and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to people with disabilities in Houston. MOPD's vision is a city where everyone understands the importance of equal participation and full inclusion of all citizens, including citizens with disabilities.