White Cane Safety Day raises awareness for blind and visually impaired

ST. CROIX — President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation in 1964 designating Oct. 15 as “White Cane Safety Day,” a national observance meant to promote awareness of people with visual impairment.

On Tuesday, for the 18th year, the St. Croix Lions Club and the Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living hosted a local day of celebration. After remarks from club and association leadership, Sens. Diane Capehart and Franklin Johnson and a representative from the office of Sen. Samuel Carrión, attendees marched through upper Frederiksted with a V.I. Police Department escort.

Club co-president Lucien Downes Sr. said the organizations are pushing to have local accessibility standards on par with those found in the mainland. Designated crosswalks, safety lights to alert motorists and affordable, accessible housing are a few of the accommodations the territory can make to improve the lives and independence of blind or visually impaired Virgin Islanders. “The association is doing a heck of a job — they just need support,” he said. “And that’s where we come in.”