Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Vocational Rehabilitation Division (DVR) is holding its 22^nd Annual White Cane Safety Awareness Day Walk to demonstrate the importance of the white cane to blind and visually impaired communities. The white cane empowers blind and visually impaired individuals with independence, freedom and confidence.

The White Cane Walk was first proclaimed on October 15, 1964 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. Organized in Hawaii by the DVR Ho`opono Services for the Blind (Ho’opono), White Cane Walks are being held across the state this year. The sighted public is encouraged to participate.

October 15 – Kauai White Cane Walk at Kukui Grove Mall @ 10:00am
contact: Doug Moises 482-1115, National Federation of the Blind Kauai Chapter

October 17 – Oahu White Cane Walk starting at the State Capitol Rotunda @ 10:00am
contact: Gavan Abe 586-5271, DHS Ho’opono Services for the Blind

October 19 – Kona White Cane Walk on Ali`i Drive starting at Palani Street @ 1:00pm
contact: Sally Hammond 345-7065, President, National Federation of the Blind West Hawaii Chapter

October 24 – Hilo White Cane Walk in downtown Hilo starting at YWCA @ 10:00am
contact: Hilo Crescent City Lions Club [email protected]

Representatives from the Department of Human Services, Department of Education Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Department of Transportation Services, Oahu Transit Services, District 50 Lions Clubs, Hawaii State Legislators, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, Hawaii Association of the Blind, Blind Vendors ‘Ohana and many blind Hawaii vendors will be participating. Pre-walk programs begin a half our prior to the start time.

End-of-walk festivities include entertainment by talented blind musicians and vocalists. T-shirts will be available on first come first serve basis.

More than 2,700 blind and visually impaired people are currently on the state blind registry. The DHS Ho’opono offers community members comprehensive and specialized services free of charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability.

The Ho’opono Rehabilitation Center for the Blind is located at 1901 Bachelot Street in Honolulu. Call (808) 586-5269 to tour the facility. For more information about the DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation visit www.humanservices.hawaii.gov/vr

Media Contact:
Kayla Rosenfeld, Public Information Officer
586-4892; [email protected]
www.humanservices.hawaii.gov