We are proud to observe National White Cane Safety Day every 15th of October. This year we invited public officials, transit and pedestrian organizations, and organizations from the blind and DeafBlind community to attend a walk through our neighborhood showcasing street and sidewalk improvements. On this day The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. celebrates enhanced safety and walkability in our neighborhood, as well as independence for individuals who are blind and low vision. Click here to view a PDF of the map and a detailed outline of each of the recent improvements to our neighborhood.
Pointing out street improvements on the Rainier Ave S corridor
Our path started at the Lighthouse and we traveled south down Rainier Avenue toward the Mount Baker Light Rail Station. Along the way we witnessed upgrades to the sidewalks and intersections and new tactile Audible Pedestrian Signals (APS). We discussed how the Lighthouse and its employees have become an important resource for issues of transportation and pedestrian accessibility in our region and beyond.
We arrived at the Artspace Mount Baker Lofts for a program recognizing our partners. We heard from Mike James from the City of Seattle sharing the successes of the Mount Baker Accessibility project. All of the participants nationwide in today’s National White Cane Safety Day are working towards enhancing safe and walkable environments to promote independence and self-sufficiency. Here in Seattle we couldn’t do this important work without the help of the key supporters who were present at this event. Thank you to Sound Transit, King County Metro, Seattle Office of the Waterfront, Artspace, EnviroIssues, Seattle Department of Transportation, Advocates Law Group, Washington State Ferries, the City of Seattle, Mount Baker Community Club, and Titan Earthworks for joining us.
Participants with white canes arrive at ArtSpace
The white cane is a symbol of independence for people who are blind. It provides an effective means for students to get to school, adults to get to work, and seniors to remain active. There was a time when it was unusual to see a person who is blind on the street, working in an office, or operating machinery in a factory. Today and every day we celebrate the impact that the Lighthouse has on the lives of people who are blind in creating opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and vision for a better world for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.
