Brookings, SD – The Brookings Disability Awareness Committee (BDAC) will be hosting the second annual “White Cane Awareness Day Walk” on Saturday, October 15, 2022.  The walk will be an organized peaceful rally at the Sixth Street and 22nd Avenue corner, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. CST. Participants will peacefully and safely walk across the Sixth Street & 22nd Avenue intersections 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.

History of White Cane Awareness Day (from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB): “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.  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 October 15th of each year as White Cane Safety Day and recognizing that white canes enable blind people to travel safely and independently.”

Any members of the public are welcome to participate and help the BDAC as we raise awareness for the white cane.  Participants are encouraged to park or arrive on the south side of Rotary Park, near the intersection of State Street and Minnesota Drive, no earlier than 3:30 p.m. CST, with the event starting at 4:00 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; (605) 691-1611 or email at [email protected]m

The Brookings Disability Awareness Committee strives to advocate for the rights of people who have disabilities in our community. Throughout the year, specific events are held to bring awareness and information to our citizens. Informal guidance is provided to the business community, private individuals, governmental entities and nonprofit organizations. The goals of this service are to improve the quality of life for people who have disabilities through enhancing the knowledge base of entities in the community and to further serve as a community-based advocacy group enhancing the ability of local entities to comply with Federal Civil Rights legislation.