White Cane Awareness Day

October 17, 2007

    On October 17, 2007 Independence for the Blind of West Florida held its first annual White Cane Awareness Day at New World Landing in Downtown Pensacola.  The day was 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 included informational booths from Blinded Veterans Association, Division of Blind Services, IB West, Emerald Coast Vision Aids, and South Eastern Guide Dogs, as well as white cane and sighted guide demonstrations.  The event also featured 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 conducted a blindfolded crossing of Palafox Street featuring Pensacola locals Debbie Ritchie and Chief of Police, John Mathis.  Deputy Mayor Jerralds presented IB West’s Executive Director, Richard Burdess, with a Proclamation from Mayor John Fogg proclaiming October 17, 2007 White Cane Safety Day in Pensacola.  Complimentary lunch was also provided to those who attended.