White Cane Safety Day event set for Oct. 14 at Arkansas State Capitol

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Oct. 07, 2026 — Arkansas Workforce Connections’ Division of Services for the Blind announced today that a public event celebrating White Cane Safety Day will be held at the Arkansas State Capitol, Second Floor Rotunda, on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. White Cane Safety Day is an annual observance recognizing the white cane as a symbol of independence, safety, and mobility for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

This year’s event will feature presentations and personal stories that emphasize the significance of the white cane, the value of accessibility, and the efforts of organizations that serve Arkansans who are blind or visually impaired. A recording of the program will be available through AIRS Radio to ensure broad access statewide.

“The white cane stands for confidence, opportunity, and meaningful participation in our communities,” said Nathan Winter, Interim Director of the Division of Services for the Blind. “We want to raise awareness around why it matters, show our support, and celebrate the many Arkansans who move through daily life with low vision or blindness.”

The Division of Services for the Blind will host the event in partnership with agencies and organizations serving blind and visually impaired individuals across Arkansas. Representatives will be on hand to offer resources and answer questions from attendees. All interested parties are welcome and encouraged to attend.

About Arkansas Workforce Connections

Arkansas Workforce Connections is at the center of the state’s workforce development efforts, delivering career support and training for job seekers, connecting employers with skilled, work-ready talent, and offering industry solutions and incentives to maintain a skilled and technically trained workforce. Workforce Connections is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit dws.arkansas.gov.

Emcee: Rayvern Lewis

Welcome: Nathan Winter, Interim Director, Division of Services for the Blind
Invocation: Anthony Ruffin, Vending Manager, Vending Facility Program
National Anthem: Allison Howard, Student, Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind
Proclamation: Dr. John McAllister, Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Orientation and Mobility
Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind: Dakota Dalton, Blind Department Lead Teacher
Little Rock Founders Lions Club: Bill Johnson, Past District Governor
Arkansas Council of the Blind: Joyce Wilmer, President
World Services for the Blind: Eric Yarberry, President and CEO
World Services for the Blind: Josh Warren, Song on Guitar
Arkansas National Federation of the Blind: Charles Tate, President
The History of White Cane Safety Day: Gustavo Manazales, Rehabilitation Manager, Vending Facility Program, Division of Services for the Blind
“What the White Cane Means to Me”: Wesley Hillman, Vice President, NFB Arkansas Chapter
“What the White Cane Means to Me, a Veteran?”: Chris Sammons, Former President, Blinded Veterans Association, Arkansas Region
“What My White Cane Means to Me”: Sandy Mews, Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind
Readers Theatre: Jolene Adams, Luna Hudson, Allison Howard, Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind
Cindy Scott-Huisman: Cantrell Gallery, Owner; National Federation of the Blind, State Vice President; Local Chapter President, World Services for the Blind Board
Arkansas Information Reading Services (AIRS) and Friends of AIRS: Theresa Bertram, Director, Representative, Division of Services for the Blind
Closing Remarks: Deon Harris, Asst. Director, Division of Services for the Blind

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.