White Cane Safety Day celebrates independence for the blind

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2014                                               
Contact: Rick Dressler, 515-281-1314

Iowa Department for the Blind’s open house is on 50th anniversary of annual observance

When:            Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where:           Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines

DES MOINES— The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) will hold an open house marking the 50th anniversary of White Cane Safety Day on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at its headquarters in Des Moines. The celebration will be concurrent with events around the country in honor of the simple, highly effective tool used by the blind to get around in their daily lives. The long white cane is also an international symbol of independence for the blind and White Cane Safety Day is a worldwide observance recognizing its importance. In the United States the date was first designated by Congress in 1964.

Richard Sorey, Director of the Iowa Department for the Blind, is enthusiastic about the event.  “People often fear that a loss of vision means that their life is over and that they no longer will lead a fulfilling life,” said Sorey. “This celebration will serve as a reminder to all that it’s okay to be blind and that we are here to help blind Iowans pursue goals of employment and independence.  We treasure this opportunity to meet with potential employers, members of the medical community, elected officials and the general public to showcase our services. IDB is determined to help blind Iowans discover ways to maintain their independence and to continue activities they enjoy.”

The event is free and open to the public. Exhibits highlighting all of IDB’s divisions and services will be open at noon. Visitors are welcome to bring their lunch and spend time viewing the displays while meeting IDB staff. A program beginning at 1:00 p.m. will include remarks by Director Sorey, the reading of the Governor’s White Cane Safety Day Proclamation, and a musical performance by Dr. Timothy Schmidt of Waldorf College. Two sessions will explore the theme “The White Cane Goes to Work.” A panel made up of former and current vocational rehabilitation clients of the agency now successfully employed, paired with their supervisor or human resources representative, will share their experiences on how such outcomes are created. Discussion facilitated by department staff will also examine accommodations and technology that allow the blind to work competitively. A question and answer session will follow in which interested employers, community members, and the public may submit questions about the employment process and IDB services to be answered by staff and special guests. Throughout the event visitors will have the opportunity to meet members of IDB’s dedicated staff while enjoying cake and coffee prepared and served by students attending the department’s Orientation Center.

The schedule for the afternoon is:

Schedule:

12:00 p.m. -- Exhibits highlighting the wide range of IDB services will be on display at noon in the Assembly Room. Feel free to bring your lunch.

1:00 p.m. – Welcome remarks by IDB Director Richard Sorey.

-- The reading of the 2014 White Cane Safety Day proclamation signed by Governor Terry Branstad.

-- A musical performance by Dr. Timothy Schmidt of Waldort College, a former client of the agency and a concert pianist.

2:00 p.m. -- “The White Cane Goes to Work” – A panel discussion moderated by IDB staff in which the anatomy of successful employment outcomes for the blind are explored.

3:00 p.m. – Q & A in which guests may submit questions about employment for the blind and IDB services to be answered by IDB staff and special guests.

For more information about this event or the Iowa Department for the Blind visit www.idbonline.org, or contact Rick Dressler, Communications Specialist, at (515) 281-1314, Rick.Dressler@blind.state.ia.us.

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The Iowa Department for the Blind believes that all Iowans – including those who happen to be blind or visually impaired – can lead productive and fulfilling lives. Our staff helps educate, train, and empower blind or visually impaired individuals to pursue life-long goals and create opportunities for independence throughout the state. For more information, visit www.IDBonline.org or call 1-800-362-2587.