Pittsfield Public Schools

A message from Lynn Shortis, Teacher for the Visually Impaired

The President of the United States annually recognizes White Cane Day by the Blind Americans Equality Day Proclamation on October 15th to acknowledge the abilities of people who are blind and to promote equal opportunities as any other American.

The mission of White Cane Day is to educate the world about blindness and how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently while giving back to their communities, to celebrate the abilities and successes achieved by blind people in a sighted world, and to honor the many contributions being made by the blind and visually impaired.

This year, National White Cane Day falls on the final 3rd Thursday event in Pittsfield. We have permission from the organizers of this event to participate in a group walk at 5:30. Anyone who is willing to participate (students, parents, siblings, friends, teachers, etc.) can meet at Adlib on North Street at 5:10 on Thursday October 15. We will go as a group to the Main Stage where we can present our group and share the reason for being there, and then walk as a group in honor of all the students with visual impairments in our schools.

We ask that all who participate to wear a red shirt of any kind so we look unified. We will be making a banner to identify ourselves as well.

This is an exciting opportunity for us as a group. If anyone wants to remain after we will be set up with Adlib as a home base. It’s a great time for the students to roam and socialize and for parents and families to connect.

If you have any questions related to this event, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or my cell at 413- 329-8289.

I hope to see many of you there for the great day!

Download letter here