The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) hosted their annual White Cane Day Celebration on Oct. 17 at Acacia Park. The event had a series of activities including games, art, and music, all themed around the White Cane. Several key speakers attended this event: Jonathan Karli, the CSDB principal; Tera Spangler, the CSDB superintendent; and Judy Mathews, a technology specialist for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
White Cane Day is a day dedicated toward celebrating the achievements of the blind/low vision community. Beginning Oct. 15, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson established this day to spread awareness of the white cane.
CSDB has participated in this tradition each year, coming together to commemorate their accomplishments and share their experiences with the public. Mathews attended this event as the lead speaker. She spoke about her experiences as a blind individual and discussed what she had gone through before and during her 22 years as the technology specialist for the Division of Rehabilitation.
Principal Karli talked about the progress of creating such an event, speaking about the effort the students and staff members put into the art and music provided. He went into detail about the White Cane Day merchandise such as the clothing designed by a CSDB student, Amaya Tellers. This design consisted of the sun and the moon, separated by the white cane.
Superintendent Spangler spoke about her gratitude for the deaf and blind attending this event, expressing how thankful she was for the support of the staff members in the school. She talked heavily about independence stating, “You guys can do whatever you want!” further emphasizing how there are few limitations for the blind.
CSDB hosted several activities during this celebration including music, art, and games for young kids.
The Art Teacher Allie Unker and her students created lots of art for this celebration. This year’s project involved White Cane Day themed wind chimes that they sold during this event. “This is here to give students an opportunity to connect with the community and raise money for the field trip,” she said. She expressed how great it was to bring the students together for one big project.
The Bulldog Band, Pride Band, Elementary Band, and Staff Band performed on stage. Overseen by the Band Instructor Emma Reece, they played many songs with their own White Cane Day twist including their original, “I Love My White Cane,” sung by Jackson Wesson, the drummer for the Bulldog Band and a senior at CSDB. “We got here at 6:45, Facilities Manager Robbie helped set up…this year went smoother because I knew what to expect.” Ms. Reece said. She expressed how she enjoyed this event, and that it was only her second time attending.
This event has been celebrated for at least a decade by the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and will be hosted for years to come. It is recognized by many as a day of independence, and a day to express what the white cane means to them. But it also raises the question. What does the white cane mean to you?
Issac Chandler is a student at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind.
