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.
Please enjoy pictures from White Cane Day!
Pictured above: Vice President of the Board Glenn Barbee welcomes the crowd.
Pictured above: Mr. Rieder during his White Cane Day presentation.
Pictured above: New Board member Gayle Crume discusses the support group that will meet at the center.
Pictured above: Mr. Rieder presents instructor Annely Rose, CVRT, with the Team Member of the Year award.
Pictured above: Independence for the Blind staff, from left to right-John O'Dillon, CVRT; Lynda Edens; Mary Colston, CVRT; Russell Rieder; Alicia Hefty; Annely Rose, CVRT; Lance Bonner; LaBrentha Coles; Kristen Kirkpatrick; Jason Grills; Shonda Walker; Shuntay Williams; Hulrick Baptist II, COMS; and Leigh Hoskins.
Pictured above: Alicia Hefty, Hulrick Baptist, and Shonda Walker enjoying White Cane Day.
Pictured above: Susan Campbell of Susan Campbell Jewelry set up a table with the Braille charm she is selling in support of Independence for the Blind. 30% of the sales price of each Braille charm sold supports Project BRAILLE. Contact Susan Campbell Jewelry for details-434-8948.
Pictured above: Samples of Susan Campbell Jewelry's Braille charms.
Pictured above: Leigh with guide dog Gem.
Pictured above: Board Secretary Debra Thompson speaks with clients during White Cane Day.
Pictured above: Guests enjoying White Cane Day.
Pictured above: Kristen Kirckpatrick and Shonda Walker enjoying White Cane Day.
Pictured above: John O'Dillon tells a client what food and drinks are available.
Pictured above: Amanda Nelson, a student of Independence for the Blind's Vocational Rehabilitation Program, interviews Mr. Baptist for the Pensacola Junior College Corsair.
Pictured above: Mike Hage from Emerald Coast Vision Aids talks with someone about the products available at his store.
Pictured above: Southeastern Guide Dogs trainer Mary McKeon talks with guests about guide dogs.
Pictured above: Alex picks up a large piece of debris 
Pictured above: Alex looks around the Gulf Islands National Seashore Visitor Center 
Pictured above: Cassie and Leigh have a good laugh while preparing salad.
Pictured above and below: the students listen to the Panama City
Pictured above: Ms. Leigh and Cassie enjoying making their way to the front
Pictured above: Justin and Darreck.
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