DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 21, 2006 DHSS-84-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADVOCATE OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO BE HONORED
Bea Simonds Recognized at Memorial Ceremony
WILMINGTON- On Friday, September 22, at 1 PM Delaware health and Social Services Division for the Visually Impaired will pay tribute to Bea Simonds who passed May 4, 2006. For more than a half century, Bea Simonds was a staunch advocate for the Division and the people it serves. In her honor, a tree will be planted to symbolize Bea's continued spiritual presence and her everlasting work with the blind and visually impaired.
Since 1952, Simonds has dedicated her life to helping the blind and visually impaired in Delaware gain personal, social and financial independence.
Early in her career, she worked as an itinerant instructor for the state agency now known as the Division of the Visually Impaired. There, she traveled to clients' homes and provided guidance on how to function independently in their personal care, budgeting and household management chores.
After retiring in 1969, Simonds was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Council on the Blind and became chairperson shortly thereafter. Today, she still serves in that capacity.
Through Simonds' efforts as a lobbyist, Simonds has posted an unprecedented record of success with advocacy legislation for the visually impaired, including influencing legislation that permitted blind Delawareans to serve as jurists and operate 54 cafeterias in state facilities.
After the cabinet form of government was introduced in Delaware, Simonds was largely responsible for influencing legislators to raise the Division of the Visually Impaired from a bureau to division status. That act alone erased significant service barriers for the blind.
"The Division of the Visually Impaired may well not exist as it does today if it were not for the leadership of Bea Simonds," said Vincent P. Meconi, Cabinet Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services. A member of the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame, Simonds was also instrumental in developing the Incarcerated Braillist Program at the Delaware Correctional Center in Smyrna and the Technical Equipment Program in statewide school districts.
Simonds remained an active lobbyist and advocate for Delaware's blind and visually impaired until her death.
"Bea's unparalleled leadership and tremendous energy have made all the difference for the blind and visually impaired in Delaware," said Cindy Lovell, Director, Division for the Visually Impaired. "Her success as an advocate and lobbyist has made life better for many Delawareans and her countless efforts will affect many generations to come."
Please join us at: BIGGS BUILDINGS: Division for the Visually Impaired Entrance. Herman Holloway Campus 1901 N. Dupont Highway New Castle, DE 19720
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.
