Buzzards Bay Mom Raises Awareness for Visually Impaired Son’s Safety

As the spring sunshine warms the SouthCoast, 18-year-old Jayden Nogueras is eager to enjoy it.

Whether strolling around Onset or joining his mom at her local business, Jayden treasures his independence – a right his mother, Mary Nogueras, is determined to help him safely preserve.

Jayden is legally blind, lives with cerebral palsy and autism, and often uses a white cane to navigate his surroundings. With sensory challenges and unique mobility needs, he’s developed remarkable resilience and adaptation skills over the years. Still, his mother knows that not every obstacle he faces is visible, and that’s why she’s speaking up.

“As the weather warms up, Jayden loves getting out for walks and exploring what’s happening around town,” Nogueras shared. “He values his independence and wants the same freedom and autonomy his peers often take for granted.”

Nogueras, who lives on the Wareham-Buzzards Bay line and also works with the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), regularly posts about white cane awareness on social media. Her goal is simple: educate the public to make the world a little more navigable for her son and others like him.

Understanding the Daily Challenges

Jayden’s visual impairment means small or distant objects are hard to detect, and his cerebral palsy affects his gait and balance, especially on uneven terrain. Add in overstimulation from loud environments, and something as routine as crossing a street can quickly become overwhelming.

“Loud noises, honking, and multiple people giving directions at once can disorient him,” Nogueras explained. “Especially when crossing the street.”

She urges the community to slow down and be thoughtful. Not just drivers, but pedestrians, too.

READ MORE: ‘Be My Eyes’ App Uses Volunteers to Help Visually Impaired Navigate the World

What Drivers Need to Know

When a driver sees someone using a white cane at a crosswalk, Nogueras said patience is crucial.

“Avoid honking. It’s startling,” she said. “If it’s safe, you can ask if they’d like assistance, but don’t assume. Never grab someone without warning or consent.”

Instead of using vague phrases like “over there,” she suggests clear, specific communication and letting the individual set the pace for assistance.

Building an Inclusive Community

Nogueras sees a need for the following infrastructure improvements:

• Audible crosswalk signals
• Tactile paving at intersections
• Large print materials at town events and in public spaces

She believes these changes could transform local spaces into more inclusive and welcoming environments.

“We say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe it also takes a village to keep them safe,” Nogueras said.

A Message to Other Parents

Nogueras’ message is one of empowerment and community.

“To fellow parents and guardians of children with disabilities, let’s continue working together to advocate, educate, and build a more inclusive community where our kids can thrive, experience autonomy, and feel at home," she said.

As Jayden steps out into the world, white cane in hand, his mother hopes that with more awareness, support and understanding, he’ll never have to walk it alone.