History, Identity, and Independence

White Cane Day: History, Identity, and Independence lesson plan for high school students.

Lesson Plan

This lesson plan is intended for high school students.

Goals

  • Build group connection and strengthen peer collaboration.
  • Deepen understanding of White Cane Day history and significance.
  • Encourage students to think about advocacy, independence, and pride.
  • Create a polished, engaging group presentation (skit, debate, panel, or performance).

Materials

  • Student white canes.
  • Large print, braille, and AT writing materials: 20 pen, high contrast lined paper, Perkins brailler, braille paper, iPad or laptop with Job Access With Speech (JAWS)/Fusion.
  • Optional: internet-connected device for quick research (if available).
  • Props for skits or panels (chairs, microphones, signs, etc.).

Agenda

  1. Welcome & Icebreaker
    1. Script:
      1. "Happy White Cane Day! Today we're going to celebrate the meaning of this day and create a presentation to share with others. Let's start by getting to know each other better."
  2. Activity Option:
    1. Would You Rather: Cane Edition. Each student answers fun questions. Examples:
    2. Would you rather have a cane that makes sound effects (like a lightsaver) or one that glows in the dark?
    3. Would you rather travel to school with your cane or explore a new park with your cane?
    4. Would you rather teach a friend about your cane or teach a stranger in the community?
    5. Would you rather have your cane change colors with your mood or play music when you walk?
    6. Would you rather use your cane to explore a zoo or an amusement park?
    7. Would you rather invent a brand-new cane tip or design a cool cane holder?
    8. Would you rather travel independently to your favorite restaurant or to a concert?
    9. Would you rather use your cane in a big, busy city or on a quiet hiking trail?
    10. Would you rather explain your cane to 1 curious person or to a whole classroom?
    11. Would you rather take your cane on a trip to the beach or to the mountains?
    12. Would you rather have a cane that tells jokes or one that gives compliments?
    13. Would you rather walk with a group of friends using canes or travel solo on an adventure?
    14. Would you rather design a video game where the hero uses a cane or write a song about cane pride?
    15. Would you rather use your cane to explore a new school or a new city?
    16. Would you rather celebrate White Cane Day with a parade or with a dance party?
  3. The History & Purpose of White Cane Day (25 minutes)
    1. Script:
      1. "White Cane Day celebrates independence and pride for people who are blind or who have low vision. It also raises awareness in the community about respecting white cane users. The white cane started becoming a symbol of independence in the 1930s. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first White Cane Safety Day proclamation, which we now call White Cane Day. Today, it's recognized all over the world."
    2. Discussion Prompts:
      1. "Why do you think it was important to have White Cane Day recognized nationally?"
      2. "What changes still need to happen for blind and low-vision people to travel safely and independently?"
      3. "How does the cane represent both safety and pride?"
  4. Group Project
    1. Options for projects:
      1. Advocacy Skit: Act out scenarios showing what people should or shouldn't do when they see someone with a cane.
      2. Debate/Panel: Half the group acts as advocates, answering common questions about cane use.
      3. Creative Performance: Write a rap, spoken word poem, or short play about independence and pride.
    2. Create
      1. Students divide into roles (actors, writers, speakers, narrators, sound effects, etc.).
      2. Adults provide support with organizing and structuring ideas but encourage student leadership.
        1. Script:
          1. "Everyone has something important to contribute. Let's make sure each of you has a role that feels right. This is your chance to show others the meaning of White Cane Day through your own voice."
  5. Optional Performance
  6. Wrap-Up
    1. Script:
      1. "You all did great work today. You explored the history of White Cane Day and created something meaningful to share with others. Your presentation will help people understand why the cane is a symbol of independence, safety, and pride."