PORTLAND, Maine — Kristy Swallow of Houlton, a vision rehabilitation therapist with The Iris Network, joined three generations of her family to walk in The Iris Network’s White Cane Walk for Independence on Oct. 19, in Portland. The Iris Network assists individuals who are visually impaired or blind.
The white cane is a mobility tool for individuals who are visually impaired or blind and the White Cane Walk for Independence, held annually since 1995, celebrates it as a symbol of independence. The Walk also serves to raise awareness and remind all of Maine’s White Cane law. Maine’s White Cane Law ensures that people who are visually impaired or blind and who use a white cane or dog guide have the same right as sighted pedestrians to travel safely on foot. The Law notes that traffic should yield, as always to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Drivers should not shout or gesture at individuals using a white cane or a dog guide.
The Walk raises awareness, educates and is The Iris Network’s signature fundraising event. All proceeds from the Walk support the programs The Iris Network has to promote independence in people who are visually impaired or blind through training and education.
