Mayor Barrett requests to present a proclamation recognizing October 15th, 2026, as White Cane Awareness Day in the City of Haverhill
City Of Haverhill Proclamation
WHEREAS, The white cane, which every blind citizen of Haverhill and the Commonwealth has the right to carry, demonstrates and symbolizes the ability to achieve a full and independent life and the capacity to work productively in competitive employment; and
WHEREAS, The white cane, allows every blind person to move freely and safely from place to place, making it possible for the blind to fully participate in and contribute to our society and to live the lives they want; and
WHEREAS, Every citizen should be aware that the law requires that motorists and cyclists exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind person carrying a white cane; and
WHEREAS, Massachusetts law also calls upon employers, both public and private, to be aware of and utilize the employment skills of our blind citizens by recognizing their worth as individuals and their productive capacities; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, MELINDA E. BARRETT, MAYOR of the City of Haverhill, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2026, as
WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY
I call upon our schools, colleges, and universities to offer opportunities for learning and training to blind persons; upon employers and the public to utilize the available skills of competent blind persons and to be open to offering new opportunities to the blind in our rapidly changing society; and upon all citizens to recognize the white cane as a tool of independence for blind pedestrians on our streets and highways.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Haverhill to be affixed this 6th day of October in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Six.
MAYOR MELINDA E. BARRETT