"White canes" are the universally recognized symbol identifying the blind or visually impaired. Since 1964, by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, October 15th of each year has been designated White Cane Safety Day. Further, the month of October each year is also designated as White Cane Safety Month.
The Lions Club is known internationally for its commitment to the prevention of blindness and to improve eye health and eye care. The Alachua Lions Club each year sponsors a public awareness campaign and White Cane Awareness Walk to publicize its support of Florida's "White Cane Law" that requires vehicles to stop when an individual guided by a guide dog or carrying a white cane is crossing a public street or highway.
Proclaiming October as White Cane Safety Month and October 15th as White Cane Safety Day is a way to show the City's commitment to making the public aware of the "White Cane Law" and to the safety of the blind and visually impaired on Alachua's public streets.