Joe Buizon, left, Director of Programs and Services at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and Daniel Martin, an employment counselor at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, with his guide dog, Chris, attended a recent White Cane Awareness assembly at Willard Elementary School. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
CONCORD — Fourth graders at Willard Elementary School gathered recently to learn how people with visual impairments navigate the world and how small acts of care can strengthen a community.
The White Cane Awareness assembly, held in recognition of White Cane Awareness Day and Disability Awareness Month, was organized by Vanessa Rosalan, a districtwide Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments.
Students heard from representatives of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and the Concord Lions Club. Speakers discussed the significance of the white cane, the role of guide dogs and the importance of supporting others through community service.
Joe Buizon, Director of Programs and Services at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, explained what the white cane represents and described the different types of canes used by people with visual impairments. He also spoke about ways to interact respectfully with individuals who use canes.
Daniel Martin, an employment counselor at the Commission, attended with his guide dog, Chris. He demonstrated how guide dogs assist their handlers and answered students’ questions about how the dogs are trained.
A representative from the Concord Lions Club encouraged students to donate used eyeglasses, noting that those donations help provide vision support to people in need.
“It was a wonderful means for our kids to gain increased awareness of the work to break down attitudinal barriers that limit opportunities for success among people who are vision impaired,” said Principal Matthew Lucey.
Rosalan said the assembly highlights that inclusion begins with understanding.
“Many of our students may have never met someone who is blind or visually impaired, yet we have members in our community who live with visual impairments and even vision loss,” she said. “It’s important to learn how to interact respectfully and provide meaningful support. Second, by hearing from successful professionals from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind who are working and college-educated, we hope to inspire students to see that we all have the power to shape our own paths and make meaningful contributions to our community. Lastly, in partnership with the Concord Lions Club, our collection of old glasses reinforces the spirit of service and reminds us that small acts of kindness can bring clearer vision and greater inclusion for all. Thus, reflecting the values that Concord-Carlisle and Concord Public Schools embody: inclusive, empowered, and service-oriented.”
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter said the event aligns with the district’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility for all learners.
“Inclusion is a core value of our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Hunter. “One of our goals is to help students view the world through the perspective of others. When students learn to value different perspectives and experiences, they help build a stronger and more connected community.”
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