Community Awareness

Blindness defined

The Houston Council of the Blind uses the same definition for visual impairment as is used by the American Council of the Blind of Texas. It is broader than some other organizations may recognize. The definition is taken from Article III of the HCB Constitution:

"A. Definition of visually impaired: This organization uses the words visually impaired to signify not only those who are legally blind, as defined in the state codes, but also those who are within the definition for use of Library of Congress Talking Books and for those who are within the Post Office Regulations for use of the free matter mailing privilege: Free matter is for the use of the blind or other persons who cannot use or read conventionally printed material because of a physical impairment, who are certified by competent authority as unable to read normal reading material."

The State of Texas White Cane Safety Law:

From the State of Texas Human Resources Code, Title 8:

Sec. 121.007. BLIND AND DISABLED PEDESTRIANS.
  1. No person may carry a white cane on a public street or highway unless the person is totally or partially blind.
  2. The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection or crosswalk where a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane is crossing or attempting to cross shall take necessary precautions to avoid injuring or endangering the pedestrian. The driver shall bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger can be avoided only by that action.
  3. The failure of a totally or partially blind or otherwise disabled person to carry a white cane or be guided or aided by an assistance animal does not deprive the person of the rights and privileges conferred by law on pedestrians crossing streets or highways and does not constitute evidence of contributory negligence.
  4. A person who violates this section commits a Class C misdemeanor.

Acts 1979, 66th Leg., p. 2428, ch. 842, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 278, Sec. 5, eff. June 5, 1985; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 649, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Compiled from various sources & personal experience for the Houston Council of the Blind (October, 2006).