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Every October 15th, Texans join people around the nation to celebrate White Cane Day, honoring the independence, safety, and confidence that the white cane represents for people who are blind or visually impaired.
The white cane is more than a mobility tool. It serves as a symbol of self-reliance, access, and equal opportunity. White Cane Day is a reminder that all Texans benefit when our communities are designed to be inclusive and accessible.
Texas Resources for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
The State of Texas offers programs and resources to support Texans with vision loss in achieving independence, employment, and community participation:
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Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides training, assistive technology, job placement, and support services to help Texans with visual impairments prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. Through a referral from their VR program, they may attend the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) to aquire blindness vocational skills.
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Texas Workforce Commission – Older Individuals Who are Blind Program offers independent‐living training, orientation and mobility instruction, low‐vision devices, counseling, and related services to Texans aged 55 and older with significant visual impairment, empowering them to live more independently in their homes and communities.
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Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) is a state‐wide educational resource and campus in Austin serving students from birth through age 22 who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. TSBVI provides a full range of programs, including K–12 instruction, short‐term and summer courses, transition services, and outreach support. They also collaborate with families and school districts to strengthen educational and life outcomes across the state.
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Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program (BCVDDP) is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and serves children from birth up to age 22 in Texas who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. BCVDDP works with each child and family to build a tailored service plan that may include direct skills training, case management, parent education, and specialized support for dual sensory loss. Through this plan, children can build confidence, independence, and preparation for future vocational opportunities.
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Texas State Library & Archives Commission – Talking Book Program offers free audio and braille books to Texans who are blind, visually impaired, or have a print disability.
Celebrating Together
White Cane Day is not only for people who are blind or visually impaired. It is also a day for all Texans to reflect on how we can build communities that are safe, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. Whether through employment opportunities, inclusive public spaces, or community awareness, each of us has a role to play in removing barriers. There are several events throughout the state to recognize White Cane Day.
Houston White Cane Safety Day is a local celebration and awareness event that honors the capabilities and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired through a march, resource fair, presentations, musical performances, and community engagement. The Austin celebration hosts a public event that includes marches, a resource fair, and a White Cane Day picnic to educate the community and honor the contributions of blind Texans. You can also find details about other White Cane day celebrations throughout the state on the Austin website.
This White Cane Day, let’s celebrate independence, raise awareness, and continue working toward a more inclusive Texas for all.
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