School Presentations
Our interactive program continues to be our key project of educating the public in order to improve access, inclusiveness and awareness of technology that empower people who are blind. Teams of a Blind or Low Vision person and a member of a local Lions Clubs make Grandpa’s White Cane presentations in elementary classrooms. We continue to meet parents whose children have shared enthusiastically their experiences with our teams.
The KOTB Committee discovered this great children’s book that was
published with the help of Lions Clubs. In this book, Grandpa Jim
answers his young grandson’s questions about how and why he uses
his white cane. It includes how Jim took his story into the local third
grade classrooms and, even more exciting, an opportunity for these
youngsters to get a chance to try out small white canes to understand
not only the challenges but the tools and techniques that a person who
has vision challenges can use to get around on their own.
Supplementing the story itself the book includes a simple list of Do’s
and Don’ts when you meet someone with a white cane, as well as
resources that you can share with someone you know who does not yet
know about these opportunities for independence. And of course, it
includes the history of the White Cane and White Cane Day, whether it
is celebrated on October 15th as it is in the United States and by the
World Blind Union, the first week of February as it is celebrated by many
in Canada. The White Cane is celebrated as a symbol of Independence,
Mobility and Safety for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Jim Hoxie is with retired teacher Sheila Powell. Jim is making a presentation about Grandpa's White Cane. Sheila will work with half the class on the Do's and Don'ts courtesy list, while Jim canes with the other students.
Create a team and start sharing today the message of independence, confidence and safety!
President of the Yakima Valley, Washington Council of the Blind, Jim Palomarez, on the far right, leads two teams of Lions to make classroom presentations to third grade students at Sunnyside Elementary School, Sunnyside WA.
Bill Scholl, Chair of the MD19 Lions Club Knights of the Blind Committee, presents Grandpa's White Cane to third grade students in Shelton, Washington.
Teaching Resources
Presentation Materials
GWC Bookmarks (Lions Info + How You Help)
A simple, student-friendly guide that teaches how to respectfully interact with and support individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Activities
Lesson Follow‑Up Activities (PDF)
These follow-up activities reinforce students’ understanding of blindness awareness through creative, hands-on, and reflective exercises.