The Carroll County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 16 read and adopted a proclamation recognizing Oct. 15, 2025 as White Cane Day in Carroll County and invited members of the Greater Carroll County chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) to address the board.

Why it matters: Members said the white cane is both a mobility tool and a symbol of independence and public safety for blind pedestrians. Speakers asked the county to strengthen transportation access and urged officials to include blind-community representatives on transit advisory groups to ensure services meet needs.

What speakers said

Chris Nussbaum, identified in the meeting as an assistive-technology trainer for blind and low-vision people in Maryland, said: "As a user of the white cane myself, I definitely recognize that it is an extreme symbol of freedom for the blind." Derek Day, vice president of the Maryland chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, and other chapter members described the chapter’s 10-year history and local activities.

Several commissioners thanked the chapter and praised volunteer leaders. Commissioner Susan Krebs read the proclamation and invited chapter members to sit at the dais. The proclamation text, read at the meeting, called on employers, schools and public agencies to facilitate training and employment opportunities for blind people and reminded motorists and cyclists to exercise caution when approaching a blind person carrying a white cane.

Transportation, engagement and follow-up

Speakers urged the board to recruit a blind or low-vision representative for the county transit council. Commissioner Krebs said the transit council meets four or five times a year and asked the chapter to suggest a candidate; chapter members said they would identify someone to serve or participate. The chapter also listed upcoming events and services (audio-described movies and social gatherings) and invited residents to attend monthly meetings.

Speakers

- Chris Nussbaum, assistive-technology trainer for blind and low-vision people, Maryland (Greater Carroll County NFB)
- Derek Day, Vice President, Maryland National Federation of the Blind (Greater Carroll County chapter)
- Meredith Day, chapter member
- Commissioner Susan Krebs, Board of County Commissioners (first reference in meeting)
- Joe Vigliati, Vice President, Board of County Commissioners (signed proclamation in lieu of president)

Authorities

- State of Maryland references in the proclamation text regarding employer and public-agency responsibilities (proclamation language cited state guidance; no statute citations were provided in the meeting record).

Provenance

- topicintro: {"block_id":"s_1205.605","local_start":0,"local_end":120,"evidence_excerpt":"Very well said. Very well said. And, commissioner Krebs, I do believe you have a proclamation for white cane day."}
- topfinish: {"block_id":"s_2225.865","local_start":0,"local_end":71,"evidence_excerpt":"And don't forget your your proclamations in front of you, Chris. Right there. Thank you."}