The 11th White Cane Awareness Walk:

150 Walkers Build Awareness of People with Vision Loss

Our vibrant community event took place on October 13, 2007, a beautiful sunny day, at Back Cove, Portland, ME. 

Early arrivers enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and our pre-walk program. Michelle Kamberalis of Adaptive Technology Consulting presented the GPS Trekker, which provides navigational support for people with vision loss when walking. Professionals from the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Iris Network shared information about Orientation and Mobility and provided Sighted Guide training. Local Girl Scouts distributed walk t-shirts, as well as coffee, donuts, and water.   

Pat Callaghan, co-anchor at WCSH News Center 6, served as MC of the pre-walk program and Grand Marshall of the Walk. Special speakers Merrill Barter, Iris Network Board member, and Doris Dennee, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, shared their thoughts on safe travel for people with vision loss.  

Walkers were also entertained by trumpet player Dan Hayes, who got the crowd enthused at the start of the 3.5 mile adventure (some participants walk part of the distance). Some walkers carried signs publicizing the month of October as White Cane Awareness month. And in the fresh autumn air, everyone seemed energized by the event’s special purpose: to recognize people with vision loss, to celebrate their diverse and outstanding contributions, and to promote independence and the right to safe travel for everyone.   

After everyone’s return, pizza was offered to all,  and Pat Callaghan awarded prizes to those who were first and last to finish, to the walker who had gathered the most pledges, the individuals who traveled the farthest to the walk, and to the largest group of walkers, which was Sigma Nu fraternity from the University of Southern Maine. Thank you for joining us! 

“The White Cane Awareness Walk is a wonderful way to remind us all of the simple things everyone can do to support safe travel for people who are visually impaired or blind. Plus, it’s a fun and meaningful day of camaraderie with old and new friends of the Iris Network.” —Doris Dennee, Guiding Eyes for the Blind

“A great day for a great cause. We enjoyed the musical  sendoff and meeting many of the Iris Network staff.”   — Park Espenschade, Maine AIRS Volunteer Reader

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