Building understanding for blindness with White Cane Day

WGCU | By WGCU News,

Kate Cronin

Published October 27, 2025 at 5:33 AM EDT

In Florida, roughly 300,000 people live with vision impairment, according to the Florida Council of The Blind. Those dealing with vision impairment are forced to live with unfair stigmas, which include being described as helpless or incompetent.

To combat these perceptions, a program was offered for sighted people to come out and take a walk in the shoes of someone dealing with vision issues. WGCU’s Kate Cronin attended White Cane Day, which aimed to inspire compassion and understanding for the blind.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.

More from WGCU

Environment

‘Tis the Season for Holly

Dr. Jerry Jackson

If asked “What plant best symbolizes the winter season?”, most people might say “Christmas trees”, but a fair number might instead suggest holly. Several species of holly are native to North America. Most are evergreen, have thick, somewhat shiny leaves that are resistant to colder climates, and are bordered and tipped with sharp points that protect the leaves from winter plant “munchers”, and in winter bear small red fruits that add to their winter holiday appeal. The fruits are eaten by many bird species and the seeds inside the fruits are deposited with a bit of fertilizer to begin growth in the spring. Some holly species grow into large trees.
Government & Politics

Gov. DeSantis appoints Patricia 'Trish' Petrosky to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners

WGCU Staff

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Patricia “Trish” Petrosky to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners late Friday afternoon.
Culture and Connections

Where to celebrate Hanukkah around Southwest Florida

Elizabeth Andarge

This year, synagogues and Chabad centers from Naples to Fort Myers are inviting residents of all backgrounds to join the festivities. Below is a guide to local events.

Government & Politics

City of Naples receives FEMA obligation for Naples Pier rebuild

WGCU Staff

A FEMA grant of more than $11 million has been granted Naples for the reconstruction of the iconic and popular city pier.The funds, $11,401,144.20, were announced Friday afternoon by Congressman Byron Donalds.
Government & Politics

Trump administration says sign language services 'intrude' on Trump's ability to control image

The Associated Press

The Trump administration argues that providing real-time American Sign Language interpretation for events like White House press briefings would intrude on the president's control over his public image. This stance is part of a lawsuit filed by the National Association for the Deaf, which claims the lack of ASL interpretation denies deaf Americans access to important communications. The Justice Department suggests alternatives like online transcripts and closed captioning provide what's needed. A federal judge recently ordered the White House to provide the interpreting, but the administration has appealed.
Crime

Undocumented Cuban found guilty in theft of trailers meant for those displaced by Hurricane Ian

WGCU Staff

Florida's Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the conviction of Ivan Gutierrez Miranda for stealing and reselling trailers meant for recovering hurricane victims who lost and were rebuilding their homes. Miranda was found guilty of a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violation, Conspiracy to Commit RICO, Organized Scheme to Defraud, and five counts of Dealing in Stolen Property.

Building understanding for blindness with White Cane Day

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning