1302 Dunmire Street                                                                                             Contact: Lindsay Pieler

 Pensacola Fl. 32504                                                                                               Phone: 850 477-2663

www.ibwest.org                                                                                                         lindsay@ibwest.org

September 20, 2007                                                                                                    For immediate release

White Cane Awareness Day

            Independence for the Blind of West Florida (IB West) is pleased to announce its first annual White Cane Awareness Day. Join IB West and other various organizations as we spread awareness of visual impairments to the community on October 17, 2007 from 10:30a.m. – 1:30p.m. at New World Landing.

            The day will be packed full of information regarding the blind and visually impaired and where residents of west Florida can turn to for help regarding these issues.  Activities for the event include informational booths from various organizations and white cane and sighted guide demonstrations.  The event will also feature keynote speaker Nick Dotson, a local blind business man who has made a successful life for himself being legally blind.  To promote awareness and let others experience the feeling of being blind, we will conduct a blindfolded crossing of Palafox Street featuring Pensacola locals Debbie Ritchie and Chief of Police, John Mathis.  Complimentary lunch will be provided to those who attend.

October is Blind Awareness Month and specifically, October 15 is nationally known as White Cane Day.  Come out and support all that Independence for the Blind of West Florida does for your community, as well as learn what it means to be blind or visually impaired.  Seating is limited, so if you would like to attend we ask that you RSVP to our office by October 11.

IB West is a private nonprofit agency dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired achieve maximum independence, funded in part by the Division of Blind Services.  IB West provides instruction in daily living skills, computer technology, and vocational rehabilitation free of charge to the blind of all ages.

For more information on our first annual White Cane Awareness Day, or to RSVP to the event, please visit www.ibwest.org or contact Lindsay Pieler at 850-477-2663 or lindsay@ibwest.org.