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DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: October 17, 2017
DHSS-10-2017

DELAWARE DIVISION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED RECOGNIZES WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY WITH OCT. 20 EVENT

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 17, 2017) - The Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) will commemorate White Cane Safety Day during a public event Oct. 20 designed to celebrate the contributions of those with visual impairments, further raise awareness of blindness and encourage the development of new technologies that build independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed October 15 to be White Cane Safety Day, a day for government to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring people who are blind and visually impaired receive critical services and remind the public to yield to those who use a white cane.

"The white cane is a tool and a symbol," said Elisha Jenkins, director of DVI. "Individuals who have visual impairments use it as an orientation tool, while others around them, including motorists, recognize it as a symbol representing the need to exercise extreme caution."

DVI will be joined by the Vocational Rehabilitation Advisory Council for the Blind in hosting the event to recognize White Cane Day. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at the New Castle County Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle.

The advisory council will present two awards during the event: the Sharon Sutlic Winds of Change Award and the Debbie Briddell Excellence in Teaching Award. Visitors are invited to meet with exhibitors, attend information sessions, witness the award ceremony and hear the Governor�s White Cane Day 2017 Proclamation.

DVI is a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. To learn more about DVI services including eligibility requirements or to schedule training for your organization, call 302-255-9800 or visit the DVI website at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dvi/.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DELAWARE DIVISION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED RECOGNIZES WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY WITH OCT. 20 EVENT

Delaware's Government