On Saturday, Tajuana Milton was at Delta College to experience a group of people take steps — literally — toward understanding.
“I’m grateful for people who aren’t visually impaired to see what it’s like to walk a day in my shoes” said Milton, who lost her vision nine years ago, during the eighth annual White Cane Awareness Walk and Celebration.
The event is a collaboration between the San Joaquin County chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the San Joaquin Lions Club, coinciding with White Cane Safety Day on Oct. 15, an event recognized by advocates for the visually impaired.
“For us, the significance of the white cane is that of an independent tool of a blind traveler,” said Jennifer Gass, the Lions Club’s Lions for Access chair.
Gass pointed out that pedestrians using a white cane are protected by California law under Section 21963 of the state Vehicle Code, requiring vehicles to yield right of way to and take reasonable precautions to avoid injury of blind pedestrians.
“The white cane enables the individuals to travel freely and safely, participate fully in society, contribute to their communities, and live the lives they choose,” Mayor Christina Fugazi said in some remarks delivered to attendees.
During the event attendees attempted to make letters out of play-doh or sort paper clips from rice, all while blindfolded; the celebration culminated in a walk down Pacific Avenue to Mountain Mike’s Pizza on Robinhood Avenue; the local eatery donated a portion of their profits to the NFB chapter if customers mentioned them during while ordering.
As the group walked with white canes in hand, they engaged in a call-and-response with chapter president Lisa Rodriguez.
“We can,” she began, with the group replying, “Live the life we want.”
Those who are interested in donating to the National Federation of the Blind can reach out at NFB.CA.SJ@gmail.com