City leaders and organizations come together for Mobility Week

Mobility Week 2021 is here and city leaders and organizations are coming together to raise awareness in the best way they can; by experiencing it themselves. 

How would you cross the street if you couldn't see?

Sighted individuals are participating in "The Blind Experience" in downtown Orlando to raise awareness and educate for the cause. 

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Florida Department of Transportation District Five Secretary Jared W. Perdue and other community leaders will cross the street in blindfolds, guided by people living with blindness. 

Mobility specialists and volunteers will be on-site to provide safety instructions and guidance for the walk.

The White Cane Law will also be a popular topic of conversation. 

The White Cane Law in Florida states that "it is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red."

The law goes on to say that "whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian."

The event will take place  at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Orlando City Hall Rotunda.

Guests will meet at city hall before moving to South St. and Boone Ave. and Orange Ave. and Anderson St. for the blindfold walk. 

Other community leaders set to attend the event include Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer, Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower and MetroPlan Orlando Executive Director Gary Huttmann. 

Mobility Week will run through Friday, Nov. 5. 

For more information or to get involved, click here.