AUSTIN – Earlier today, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) hosted its 2023 White Cane Day celebration. The annual event is held to educate the world about blindness and how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently while giving back to their communities. Each year, members of the Austin community come together for festivities designed to celebrate this exciting day.

“The Lone Star State benefits when all Texans find success in the workplace,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The contributions of blind and visually impaired workers bolster the Texas workforce and allow Texas to maintain its reputation as the best state to do business.”

This year’s White Cane Day celebration took place at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) and featured activities, music, and entertainment. The event also featured several guest speakers—including celebrities and local leaders—who discussed the history and significance of White Cane Day. Among those who addressed the crowd during the official celebration were TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III, and TWC Executive Director Edward Serna.

“Through initiatives like the Business Enterprises of Texas Program, TWC is empowering people with blindness and visual impairments to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Today’s White Cane Day festivities highlight the importance of the ‘white cane’ and the strong impact that blind and visually impaired Texas employers have on the economy.”

To raise awareness for the event, the public was invited to participate in three separate White Cane Day-themed marches across central Austin before kicking off the official celebration.

“Texas’ growing civilian labor force, more than 15 million people, is strengthened by the contributions of Texans with disabilities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “We are honored to be a part of the White Cane Day celebration and promoting the opportunities, independence and abilities of Texans who are blind or visually impaired.” 

The annual White Cane Day celebration, held during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, is part of TWC’s Texas HireAbility campaign to promote the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

For a calendar of events and information about Texas HireAbility and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, visit the Texas HireAbility webpage. White Cane Day, created by the U.S. Congress in 1964 and named after the recognized mobility aid, celebrates the empowerment of people who are blind and visually impaired. Next year’s White Cane Day will take place on October 16, 2024.

(L-R) TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson, TWC Executive Director Edward Serna, TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel and TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III celebrate 2023 White Cane Day in Austin on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. 

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Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.