Walking with purpose
Eight Arlington ISD students took a walk in downtown Arlington last week. Each had a white cane that helped them find their way to Levitt Pavilion, where they ate lunch and met Mayor Jim Ross.
With guidance and support from Arlington ISD specialists and City of Arlington staff, the students – who are visually impaired – practiced crossing streets, navigating sidewalks, and using their canes in real-world settings. The experience offered both a hands-on learning opportunity and a celebration of independence.
The walk marked White Cane Safety Day, a national observance that honors the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and promotes awareness of the white cane as a powerful symbol of independence.
Mandy Body, an Arlington ISD teacher for students with visual impairments, helped organized the walk for the students who come from all across the district, elementary through high school.
“The purpose is to bring awareness to the community and to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and the tool of independence: the white cane,” Body said.
White Cane Safety Day, officially recognized each year on Oct. 15, was first established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The day highlights how the white cane helps individuals navigate the world safely, confidently, and independently.
For Dayanara Sanchez, a senior at Sam Houston High School, her white cane is more than a tool – it represents independence.
“It helps me to know if there is anything in front of me, it helps me to avoid it, so I know where I’m going. It’s very helpful,” she said. “People try to help me, but I know the way.”
The cane also gives confidence to the aspiring writer.
“I feel most confident when I’m walking down the hallway with my cane. I don’t know, just walking, and knowing where I’m going, and people noticing that. I think that’s cool.”