Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired

10/20/2026

10/15/2026

Happy White Cane Safety Day! Today, October 15, we celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane. Below is the 2026 proclamation from the office of the Governor in recognition of White Cane Day.

Whereas, on October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, H.R. 753,
was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim
October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day, which was also named Blind
Americans Equality Day in 2011; and
Whereas, the white cane, which every blind or visually impaired Delawarean
has the right to carry, demonstrates and symbolizes the ability to achieve a full and
independent life, work productively in competitive employment, and fully participate
in and contribute to our society; and
Whereas, the white cane allows every blind or visually impaired person to
move freely and safely from place to place, and every Delawarean should be aware
that the law requires motorists to exercise appropriate caution when approaching a
person carrying a white cane; and
Whereas, the State of Delaware calls upon employers, both public and private,
to recognize the worth and productive capacities of Delaware's blind and visually
impaired residents and to utilize their employment skills; and
Whereas, Delaware's Division for the Visually Impaired assists more than
3,000 blind or visually impaired residents with independent living skills, orientation
and mobility, vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, and education.
Now, Therefore, I, Matthew Meyer, Governor,
do hereby recognize October 15, 2026, as
WHITE CANE DAY
in the State of Delaware, and urge all Delawareans to not only recognize the
importance of the white cane but also celebrate the value and contributions of the
person holding it.

10/13/2026

DVI had such a wonderful time celebrating White Cane Safety Day with our annual walk along a trail! It was a beautiful day on Friday, October 9th, where DVI got outside in the fresh air, chatted with friends, walked along a trail to celebrate this important day. We are so happy that we were able to host a walk in both upstate and downstate Delaware this year and we cannot wait to do it again! Thank you to everyone who came out and to everyone who helped make this event a success!

10/08/2026

Today is World Sight Day, a global reminder of the importance of eye health and the life-changing impact of good vision.

Your vision is precious — don’t take it for granted. Scheduling regular eye check-ups is one of the best ways to maintain healthy eyes and safeguard your vision for years to come.

10/08/2026

DVI will be celebrating White Cane Safety Day tomorrow, October 9, with our annual walks! Join us as we celebrate the achievements and independence of individuals who are blind or visually impaired and the white cane as an important symbol of independence and accessibility.

Did You Know?
There are several types of white canes designed for different needs? This includes long canes, folding canes, identification canes, support canes, guide canes, and children's canes. Our Orientation and Mobility specialists assist individuals in evaluating various options and identifying the ideal match.

Join us at the White Cane Day Walk on October 9th as we recognize the independence and empowerment that white canes provide to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. DVI will now be hosting two events on the same day and time but in two different locations. See flyer for more details.

10/05/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This year's theme is ""Celebrating Value and Talent," where we will recognize the skills and contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace, communities, and economy.

You can learn more here: https://www.dol.gov/index.php/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

10/02/2026

It is time to announce the October Peer Support Delaware Meetings! These meetings are led by Patti Addison and DVI. This month our discussions will focus on fire safety and prevention.

Schedule:

Sussex County:
Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 11:30 – 1:00p.m.
Location: Long Neck Cheer Center
26089 Long Neck Road Millsboro
Topic Fire Prevention

Kent County:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 11:00 – 2:00p.m.
Location: 600A S.Bay Road Dover
Everyone will meet at the Fire Prevention/safety DVI event. Please plan to attend the entire event.

New Castle County:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Location: RT. #9 Library, 3022 New Castle Avenue New Castle
Topic: Fire Prevention

Please contact Patti Addison at 302-463-8700 for any questions.

10/01/2026

October DABA events have been updated!