Zachary High School senior Sa’Lynn Woodside has been a champion for the visually impaired throughout her high school career.
She is blind and uses a white cane. She can be seen moving about the high school campus independently and confidently with her cane.
Woodside has been a strong voice in the community bringing awareness of those who are visually impaired, the challenges that they face, and the many contributions that they can make.
Woodside has reached out to local businesses to update their menus, signage, etc. with braille options. She has also had White Cane Awareness Day declared in Zachary. This year, Zachary Mayor David McDavid and East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Broome both declared Oct. 15 as White Cane Day.
On Oct. 8, Woodside attended the Zachary Council meeting where the proclamation was signed by McDavid. She was also invited to attend the Oct. 10 Metro Council meeting, where Broome signed a proclamation.
White Cane Day reminds residents to be cognizant of the visually impaired when going through their day. Motorists and cyclists, employers, schools, universities, businesses, etc. should all be aware of those carrying white canes and acknowledge their abilities, contributions and potential.