Remote White Cane Day Activities
Oct 06, 2020
It’s finally here—the month of Blindness Awareness and White Cane Day, my second favorite month of the year! This is the time when we explore and celebrate what it means to live with a visual impairment. It’s a chance to help our students see themselves the way we see them—as independent, capable, and powerful individuals.
But let’s face it: these are challenging times. Many of our students are dealing with feelings of isolation, and their relationships with classmates may not be as strong as in previous years. Whether your students are remote or back in the classroom, how can we help them feel seen, heard, and empowered during this special month? How can we bring the spirit of White Cane Day into their lives while supporting their sense of independence and success?
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some creative activities that are perfect for this month, whether you’re teaching in person or remotely. You’ll find fun and engaging ways to help your students celebrate White Cane Day and strengthen connections with their peers.
1. Story Time and Presentations
One fantastic way to help your students share their experiences is by encouraging them to read a story to the class or present something about White Cane Day. This can be done via a video call or recorded and shared with classmates. When students read or share their stories, it offers an opportunity to break down misconceptions and help others see that people with visual impairments are just like everyone else. It’s a wonderful chance to celebrate what makes each student unique, while also educating their peers.
2. Write a Letter—Virtually or Physically
What better way to celebrate White Cane Day than by sending a letter? Writing letters offers students an opportunity to practice communication skills in a meaningful way. They can send a letter to a classmate, teacher, or family member, and if you're working remotely, you can even mail it digitally. Yes, you heard that right—there are services where you can type up a letter, and the company will print it out, address it, and send it on your behalf. It's a wonderful way for students to connect, and it helps them practice important skills, from using technology to learning about stamps and addresses.
3. Jeopardy Game—Virtual and In-Person
Now for something fun! Hosting a Jeopardy game—either virtually or in person—is a great way to celebrate White Cane Day with your students. Using Google Slides, you can create a Jeopardy board with different categories like Blindness Awareness, White Cane Day Facts, or even fun topics about independence. The best part? This game is customizable, so you can tailor it to your students’ needs, whether it’s playing in small groups or individually. And for remote students, it’s a fun way to bring them together while staying socially distanced.
Adapting for Remote and In-Person Learning
The great news is that all of these activities can be adapted for either remote or in-person settings. For example, reading a story works equally well whether the student is in a classroom or on a video call. And for the letter-writing activity, if mailing digitally isn’t an option, simply have the students send physical letters through the mail (with the proper safety precautions, of course). For Jeopardy, you can use a computer in the classroom or organize a fun, interactive session with your students through a virtual meeting.
Let’s Celebrate Together!
As we celebrate White Cane Day and Blindness Awareness Month, remember that the goal is to empower students to feel proud of who they are and to help them build connections with others. These activities, whether remote or in-person, are designed to support students in feeling independent, seen, and valued. Let’s make this month a time to uplift our students and show them just how much they are capable of achieving.
I can’t wait for you to try these ideas in your classroom. Whether you’re teaching virtually or in person, you can help your students shine and celebrate their independence in meaningful ways. And remember, if you need more inspiration or lesson plans, check out the Clarity Portal for easy-to-access resources.
