North Dakota Association of the Blind hosts 25th annual Walk for Vision

FARGO — For the 25th year the North Dakota Association of the Blind held its annual Walk for Vision with one goal in mind. Raise awareness about the white cane.

Participants gathered outside of North Dakota State University’s Crossroads Campus Lutheran Center and went around the block in a celebratory walk. NDSU students also joined by using goggles that impair vision and tested their ability with the white cane. The walk coincided with the observance of White Cane Safety Day, designated for Oct. 15 of each year. Before the walk, members acknowledged recent proclamations made by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney deeming Oct. 15 as White Cane Safety Day in the state and the City of Fargo.

Allan Peterson with the North Dakota Association of the Blind says the white cane is one of the most crucial tools in helping people with visual impairments navigate life and that 70% of drivers don’t know what the white cane means.

“Whenever a driver sees the white cane and a pedestrian is crossing the street, the person with the cane or dog guide has the right of way. That point needs to be driven home to drivers. We have had people that have been struck and killed, so we are here to promote the use of the white cane” he said.

All proceeds from the walk are going back to the North Dakota Association of the Blind. Those who would like to make a donation to help the association can do so on

their website

.