Proclaim October 15, 2022 to be White Cane Awareness Day
Whereas, Blindness or low vision affects people of all ages and those people have the right to travel safely while enjoying all of the rights, benefits and privileges of living, working, and playing in this Great city of Portland; and
Whereas, There are different degrees of blindness, visual diversity, meaning someone can be legally blind but still see colors, shapes and varying degrees of light; and
Whereas, White canes and guide dogs are tools that people who are blind or visually diverse use to identify themselves and to navigate their environment with greater independence; and
Whereas, Every citizen should be aware that Oregon law requires that drivers stop and remain stopped until a person carrying a white cane or using a guide dog has crossed the street; and
Whereas, October 15th has been designated by the US Congress in 1964 as a day of education and celebration of the advent of white canes and guide dogs for independent and safe travel.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses," do hereby proclaim October 15th, 2022 to be
White Cane Awareness Day
In Portland and call upon public officials, members of civic organizations and all people in the city of Portland to join together as we work to ensure the benefits and privileges of life in our Great city are available to persons who are blind or visually diverse.