The National Federation of the Blind celebrates White Cane Awareness Day every year on October 15.

For visually impaired people, the white cane is an essential tool that gives them the ability to achieve a full and independent life. It allows visually impaired individuals to move freely and safely from place to place—whether it's at work, at school, or around their neighborhoods.

White Cane Awareness Day is a way of emphasizing the critical role that this tool plays in living the lives that the visually impaired want to and informing the public about its true significance. 

When you see a blind or visually impaired person using a white cane, remember that the cane is their tool to safely and independently navigate the environment. There's no need to shout warnings or try to physically steer them so that their canes won't bump into things. Remember that they are using the canes to explore what is around them.  If they need any help or direction, they will ask. If you are driving or cycling and see someone using a white cane, you must follow the law and STOP giving that person the right of way.

Here are more tips to keep in mind when meeting a blind person.