[Massachusetts-NFB] FW: Thank you to those who attended White Cane Awareness Day!

Wed Oct 28 16:56:27 UTC 2026

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On Friday, October 23, 2026, Joe Buizon, MCB's Director, Programs and Services declared, “That is the sound of independence!” as individuals with vision loss opened their canes in unison, creating one of the ceremony’s most memorable moments.

Hundreds gathered for the annual White Cane Awareness Day Celebration, hosted by  <https://m9n59dabb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001fQOrkIuasJPCD0ESAUXH5iKWqSOAXZv8Y4wC0gZuI6ieoKwt3cBQGLXkMZcJCmXa2PYKCL14YwQDEtFmwF6_MHkQ-QUHy_H8FOB8AfRYL1FySXZVcqpE3GqNxpow0c69E1o0c0nXKetY3E8IlgptGKk4mMW_o5crIQcQ2N3jnxRYNSGH9L2IRJlSwkmFA62QJUhqZejw_DymQkXJTGR3Cw==&c=sFCGKDp5KGqCsFPNdJjfu1nsHBaTc_wH4tD0p7o5ilbnsBr_ghmJTQ==&ch=_6sgWO6viVZTUv5yUs8lRFaDpYkXoRLZWjZdicyM3P67BI4KbpxhDQ==> Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) at the Massachusetts State House. The event brought together members of the vision loss community, elected leaders, advocates, and mobility specialists to celebrate personal achievements, raise awareness of pedestrian safety, and recognize the importance of orientation and mobility training.

If you attended the event, we’d love to hear from you!

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If you were unable to attend in person, you can still experience the celebration — listen to the  <https://m9n59dabb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001fQOrkIuasJPCD0ESAUXH5iKWqSOAXZv8Y4wC0gZuI6ieoKwt3cBQGEtsERKHabNqIC-EElbs04ImdQPsONy0OJPLqsyOSwIzPt6M3HWYNm_W9yMYYvsduwN4n4xruNlNXXk1MJT635NUDBpIwcDwpkPAbWFwxsPvVPyPSjxp91ZApf0zpsFxUZTR-EcdzdF_&c=sFCGKDp5KGqCsFPNdJjfu1nsHBaTc_wH4tD0p7o5ilbnsBr_ghmJTQ==&ch=_6sgWO6viVZTUv5yUs8lRFaDpYkXoRLZWjZdicyM3P67BI4KbpxhDQ==> 2026 White Cane Awareness Day Celebration recorded by the  <https://m9n59dabb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001fQOrkIuasJPCD0ESAUXH5iKWqSOAXZv8Y4wC0gZuI6ieoKwt3cBQGKpGUDXFdbjmVRo3xSeJxAFPTx6-pyEq6w3knGos7flClPy2zZ4AgSx-Ha_A5WK8PUAsfZ8d1uyJ3rY7TsSyhgXhmzEChVNNdDnOI0esfZNl&c=sFCGKDp5KGqCsFPNdJjfu1nsHBaTc_wH4tD0p7o5ilbnsBr_ghmJTQ==&ch=_6sgWO6viVZTUv5yUs8lRFaDpYkXoRLZWjZdicyM3P67BI4KbpxhDQ==> Talking Information Center. 

During the event, MCB's Commissioner John Oliveira welcomed attendees, emphasizing the white cane’s role as both a practical travel tool and a symbol of access, confidence, and opportunity. 

Ally Tordo, MCB’s Director of Orientation and Mobility, led the celebration, recognizing the individuals whose determination and achievements demonstrate the impact of specialized training. Tordo highlighted MCB’s community-based approach, which provides individualized instruction in homes, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods throughout Massachusetts. Training can range from navigating public transportation to learning a familiar route following vision loss.

A centerpiece of the program was the sixth annual Meg Robertson Mobility Awards, honoring residents who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to developing their travel skills. The awards are named for MCB’s former Director of Orientation and Mobility, whose three decades of public service helped advance accessibility and mobility services across Massachusetts.

Youth award recipient Stephen Register, 21, shared how mobility training has helped him attend college, participate in community activities, and travel to sporting events. He recalled navigating public transportation and walking nearly a mile to a Boston College football game.

Deafblind Extended Services award recipient Lisa Gathers was recognized for her perseverance in mastering new routes, navigating public transportation, and adapting to changing environments alongside her dog guide, Quella.

Adult award recipient Lizzy Cappelli described progressing from a small town without public buses to traveling throughout Boston and studying abroad in Spain. She now works with students at Perkins School for the Blind, helping the next generation develop essential skills.

State Representative Jay Livingstone read Governor Maura Healey’s proclamation recognizing October 15 as White Cane Awareness Day, while state Senator Robyn Kennedy read Massachusetts’ White Cane Law, reminding motorists of their responsibility to stop for pedestrians using white canes or dog guides. Livingstone and Kennedy both serve as chairs of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities and they emphasized their ongoing commitment to ensuring that every corner of the Commonwealth is, and remains, fully accessible to all. We were also pleased to welcome State Representative Steven Owens, who represents the Middlesex District, and appreciate his attendance and support for White Cane Awareness Day.

The celebration also featured remarks from Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, Secretary of Health and Human Services, who reflected on a powerful experience earlier this year observing an orientation and mobility lesson with an MCB Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). During the lesson, an MCB consumer was learning to independently navigate a train station, offering a firsthand look at the impact of specialized training in building confidence and independence.

Three keynote speakers also shared their perspectives and experiences with vision loss: youth speaker David Ducasse, DeafBlind speaker Kerry Thompson, and adult speaker Jonathan Gale. Ducasse spoke about navigating school, participating in baseball, and not allowing his visual impairment to define him. Thompson spoke about her journey with vision loss, how the white cane empowered her to maintain her independence, and the importance of raising awareness, improving pedestrian safety, and advocating for stronger enforcement of the White Cane Law. Gale spoke about his journey adjusting to vision loss, how the white cane helped him regain his confidence and independence, and the importance of orientation and mobility training in empowering individuals who are blind to travel, explore, and participate fully in their communities. Together, the speakers brought important personal perspectives to the celebration, reinforcing the significance of independence, opportunity, and inclusion.

Closing the celebration, Tordo reflected on the event’s growth from a small advocacy effort into an annual occasion for recognition, education, and action. “We continue to advocate loudly and keep a high quality of services available in Massachusetts,” Tordo told attendees.

The celebration served as a reminder that behind every white cane is a person pursuing education, employment, community connections, and new experiences - supported by the skills and opportunities to get there.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every community partner, committee member, family, and individual who attended and helped make the day such a success. A special thank you to Perkins School for the Blind for generously providing refreshments for attendees. Your time, energy, and kindness made all the difference for raising awareness.

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Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

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Massachusetts Commission for the Blind | 40 Broad Street | Boston, MA 02109 US

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