Arlington ISD Students Celebrate White Cane Safety Day in Downtown

Published on October 24, 2025

By Arlington ISD Communications

Eight Arlington ISD students recently took a walk in Downtown Arlington. Each had a white cane that helped them find their way to the steps of Arlington City Hall and then to Levitt Pavilion, where they ate lunch.

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.”

Pedestrian safety is a priority for the City of Arlington. Earlier this year, Arlington adopted the Safe Streets Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, which outlines more than 40 proposed actions over the short-term and long-term to make Arlington safer for all roadway users. 

By emphasizing safer driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian behaviors and making strategic improvements to street infrastructure, in addition to education and engagement, Arlington worked with residents over a year to develop a transportation safety action plan that aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 5% annually. 

Through a data-driven and comprehensive approach, the plan’s ultimate goal is to achieve zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050. Arlington City Council adopted the plan in December 2024.

View More Photos from White Cane Walk