Posted on October 8, 2024

Stride for Sight: Join the White Cane Awareness Walk Through Downtown GR

In support of White Cane Awareness Day, join the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) on a walk through downtown Grand Rapids to help raise awareness of people who carry a white cane.

For people with vision impairments, the white cane is an essential tool for travel and mobility. It’s an important symbol of independence, allowing people to move freely and safely at work, school and in the community.

WHEN: Friday, October 11th, from 10 AM to 12 PM
10:00 AM Proclamation reading
10:15 AM Walk begins

WHERE: Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The White Cane Awareness Walk is organized by the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. For over 111 years, ABVI has been helping individuals with low vision or blindness thrive in a sighted world.

Every year, ABVI serves over 1,000 children and adults from across the state, by providing low vision services, rehabilitation, education, and vision aids. October is Blindness Awareness Month, and October 15th is the national White Cane Awareness Day, so Friday’s walk is a great opportunity to discuss these important topics.

Learn more about the White Cane Awareness Walk in the livestream with ABVI Executive Director, Tim Tuthill:

About ABVI

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) has been serving the low vision and blind community in West Michigan since 1913. Founded by Roberta Griffith, the first blind woman in the U.S. to graduate from a school for sighted students, ABVI provides low vision services, rehabilitation, education, and vision aids. In 2020, ABVI became an independent subsidiary of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, enhancing offerings for individuals at both organizations. ABVI’s team of expert, low-vision professionals serve over 1,000 children and adults annually from across Michigan, ensuring people with visual impairments can thrive in a sighted world. For more information, visit www.abvimi.org or call 616-458-1187.