BROOKINGS – The Brookings Disability Awareness Committee (BDAC) will host the first annual “White Cane Awareness Day Walk” on Friday, Oct. 15.

The walk will be an organized peaceful rally at the intersection of Sixth Street and 22nd Avenue, from 4-5 p.m.

Participants will peacefully and safely walk across the Sixth Street and 22nd Avenue intersection in controlled groups with white canes and signs.

The purpose of the event is to generate awareness for people who are blind in our community and celebrate the history of White Cane Awareness Day.

“While it was not uncommon throughout history for blind people to use a stick or cane to navigate, society largely didn’t accept that blind people could travel by ourselves until recently,” according to the National Federation of the Blind.

“In the 1960s, the National Federation of the Blind became a leader in fighting for the rights of the blind and in pioneering innovative training programs using the white cane. At our urging, the United States Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1964 designating Oct. 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day and recognizing that white canes enable blind people to travel safely and independently,” the organization reported.

Members of the public are welcome to participate and help the BDAC as it raises awareness for the white cane. Participants are encouraged to park or arrive at the backside of Rotary Park, near the intersection of State Street and Minnesota Drive, no earlier than 3:30 p.m., with the event starting at 4 p.m. No special attire is needed.

The BDAC will supply all required signage and canes. If applicable, members of the public are encouraged to bring their own canes and any extras they may have to share. Attendance for the entire duration of the event is not required.

Any questions regarding this event can be directed to Matthew Weiss, BDAC vice chair, at 605-691-1611 or matthew@designarcgroup.com.