White Cane Safety Day
Contact: Alicia Hefty 3107 N. Davis Hwy
alicia@ibwest.org Pensacola, FL 32503
850-477-2663 www.ibwest.org
October 27, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Independence for the Blind of West Florida Celebrates White Cane Safety Day
White Cane Safety Day was celebrated October 16, 2009 at Independence for the Blind of West Florida’s (IB West) new facility, the C.W. Gemmill Learning Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Those in attendance included blind and visually impaired citizens, IB West Staff and the board of directors, and local Division of Blind Services counselors. Emerald Coast Vision Aids, the Visual Performance Center, and Southeastern Guide Dogs set-up tables in the technology lab to offer information about services and equipment available for the blind and visually impaired.
Russell Rieder, Executive Director of IB West, provided an educational and entertaining presentation on the history and importance of the white cane and what it means for those who are blind and visually impaired. He also invited IB West’s newest board member, Gayle Crume, to speak briefly about a support group that will begin meeting at the C.W. Gemmill Center to provide the blind community an opportunity to interact with their peers and learn from each other.
Rieder recognized IB West’s staff and presented the Team Member of the Year award to Annely Rose, CVRT. Rose has been an Independent Living Instructor for IB West for two years and works with clients in Washington, Jackson, Holmes, Bay, Walton and Gulf Counties. After the program attendees were treated to refreshments and were offered tours of the new building, which opened in July 2009. The dedication of the building will be held Friday November 13, 2009 from 1-3pm at the center.
For more information about Independence for the Blind please visit the website, www.ibwest.org, or call 850-477-2663.
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