White Cane Day
October 15^th 2021 at Miami Lighthouse

Presenting Sponsors

White Cane Day is a yearly national day of observance established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964. The day is set aside to celebrate the many achievements of people who are blind and visually impaired, and their important symbol of independence, the white cane.

Over 150 blind and visually impaired people, as well as, many sighted volunteers will participate in this annual celebration beginning at 601 SW 8th Ave. and proceeding down 8th street and then back to Miami Lighthouse’s campus.

This is the one time of year we ask our grateful clients to give back to this remarkable place that many call their second home. Event sponsors include presenting sponsors Florida Blue, High Standard Home Care and Uber, along with McDonald’s, Starbucks, OrCam, Vispero, Ambutech, Lions for the Blind, TracFone and others.

 

 

My name is Robert Ferron and I am a client at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, where I’m currently receiving Midi instructions on the computer, preparing me for a career as a recording engineer and producer a program funded by the Florida Division of Blind Services.

I was referred to the Miami Lighthouse a few years ago by a doctor at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Once here, I met Senior Case Manager Corina Hernandez who asked what I could do. I told her that I couldn’t do much as I live in a nursing home where I was being rehabilitated. She suggested I become familiar with computers and prompted me to look within my passions. Our dialogue led me to relate how I used to play the bass guitar when I was younger and this led me to their music department where I was accepted as a musician. I discovered that other members there were enrolled in this Midi program, which is a music program teaching people with vision challenges to become professional sound engineers. I consider myself blessed to have wonderful professional instructors who have given me a full picture of music production. I know I am getting the best musical instruction and I am grateful to be playing music again.

The Miami Lighthouse has given me the opportunity to take my music to another level. When I first came here, I couldn’t walk. I was in a wheelchair but felt safe in this environment. The mobility department gave me a cane; taught me how to use it and since then, I have developed more freedom and independence. Thankfully, I now have many good reasons to celebrate White Cane Day.

Please make a gift to support me on White Cane Day by clicking the DONATE NOW button below. Your donation will help continue the many life affirming and transformational programs Miami Lighthouse offers.