DVI Views Summer 2007 Business Enterprise Program Opens Two New Facilities Holloway's Hideaway on DHSS Campus and Dunkin' Deli at NCC Courthouse The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) reopened the Holloway Hideaway Café on the grounds of the Herman M. Holloway Health and Social Services Campus in New Castle. The café, under the management of Primo's Grille, held it's grand re-opening on January 11th and 12th with numerous specials and giveaway raffles. Primo's, known for its fresh food and made-to-order sandwiches is also offering an on-campus delivery service and is available to cater meals or events for DHSS staff. The café contract is managed by Blind Vendor Wayne Marsh under the auspices of Delaware Title 16 section 9606 and the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act which gives these vendors exclusive rights to operate food and vending services in state and federal facilities respectively. Another vendor, Gary Pizzolo, officially opened the Dunkin' Deli Café in the New Castle County Courthouse, 500 King Street, Wilmington, on March 29th. The Dunkin' Deli is open from 7 AM to 4 PM daily and serves the 900 employees and 4,000 daily visitors to the courthouse. Delaware has become the 8th state to have this expanded Dunkin' operation which features: soups, salads, and numerous deli and specialty sandwiches as well as the usual full offering of bagels, doughnuts and beverages. BEP Director Mike Williams stated, “We will continue to look for new partnerships so we can meet the needs of our customers on a daily basis. Bringing a name brand operation to this location is what our customers want”. Williams noted that, “This is the first Dunkin' Deli in the nation to be administered by a blind vendor.” ________________ DELAWARE HOSTS REGIONAL CONFERENCE The 27th Annual Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program Training Conference was held April 13th and 14th at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana Hotel in Newark. The conference brought together about 60 persons involved in vending operations administered by the blind in the Mid-Atlantic region. Organized under the auspices of George Washington Universities' Mid-Atlantic Continuing Education Program, representatives of 7 states and the District of Columbia participated. More than half of those attending were blind or visually impaired. This is the first time in conference history that Delaware has played host. The Randolph-Sheppard Act is the federal legislation that gives a preference to blind persons to operate vending facilities on public property. The Act was first passed by the United States Congress in 1936. In Delaware the program is administered by the Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) through its Business Enterprise Program (BEP) which operates vending facilities and food service locations such as the Dunkin' Deli in the NCC Courthouse and the cafeteria in Legislative Hall, Dover. ________________ Wilmington Youth Rowing Association (WYRA) Low Vision Rowing Program In keeping with its' mission statement, WYRA strives to build self esteem in the diverse youth population it serves. Adaptive rowing programs have enabled people to enjoy the benefits of rowing despite various disabilities. Blind and low vision individuals have learned to perform in various sports, including such complex ones as skiing, and they can participate in the wonderful sport of crew, rowing. The basic rowing stroke is a repetitive, neuromuscular behavioral sequence. Rowing has many attributes. The stroke itself, at a recreational, or leisurely pace, produces a relaxing sensation that seems to derive from the repetitive, rhythmic, almost hypnotic, nature of the rowing sequence. One can increase the tempo of the sequence, or slow it down. Regardless of the speed, the boat will move at varying rates, depending on the stroke rate frequency and the power applied to each stroke. Competitive rowing is actually an Olympic sport. In fact, in the 2004 Athens Olympics the United States men's crew won the gold medal for the first time in 40 years and the women's crew took the silver. WYRA races at various locations, including Philadelphia, Boston, Princeton, and also hosts races on our own Christina River. There are hundreds of rowers, however, who just row to stay in shape, to relax, to be with friendly crew-mates, to enjoy the wondrous feeling of the wind and of the row, the swing of the boat moving silently through the water, and simply because it is fun. Blind and low vision youth can row and enjoy the thrills and benefits of rowing, since the rower does not have to see where he or she is going because the Cox'n steers the boat. In this sense a low vision or blind rower is just like any other athlete in the boat and is perfectly capable of rowing in a crew with sighted rowers. Rowing has a truly amazing characteristic of generating a wonderful sense of freedom, along with providing the opportunity of meeting new friends and engaging in a positive healthful activity. If you are age 13 to 17, and would like to learn and enjoy the sport of rowing. Please call: Gordon L. Pizor, Head Coach and Associate Director Wilmington Youth Rowing Association (WYRA) Phone: 302-373-8610 Or e-mail him at: power10@aol.com ________________ Delaware Industries for the Blind- Special Services for Government and Non- Government Alike Delaware Industries for the Blind (DIB) has employed approximately 62 persons over the past year. 75% of those individuals were blind or visually impaired. DIB employees work on numerous federal agency contracts (U.S.D.A, Air Force, Army) providing custom goods and eleven staff provide switchboard services on a 24-hour seven day a week basis for the Dover Air Force Base. DIB's Custom Products department supplies state agencies and Federal customers alike. Award plaques, employee recognition gifts, promotional items, engraved signs, embroidered clothing, custom framing and a full line of certificate plaques are some of the many items available. DIB has in-house art work design capability and can assist its customers in this regard. To better understand the products and services available from DIB view their web site at www.promoplace.com/dib. Non government customers are welcome to purchase these products and services as well. ________________ Governor Minner Appoints New Member to Advisory Council for the Blind Jackie R. Turner of North Wilmington, was appointed by Governor Minner on February 28th, 2007 to serve a three year term. He is a lifelong Delawarean and will celebrate his 39th year as part of the Delaware Business Enterprise Program (BEP) this August. He is also currently Chair of the Delaware Blind Vendors Committee. Since 2002 he has been managing the vending operation at the Hare's Corner Postal Facility for BEP. His priorities as a new Council member include: helping to expedite services to the blind community; keeping them informed of the latest technological advances and; improving Delaware's paratransit system, perhaps using Ohio as a model. Mr. Turner is married with a grown daughter and granddaughter in Massachusetts, and counts music, bowling, darts and card playing among his hobbies. ________________ Cool Off on a Warm Summer Day Looks like a game of “musical cones” at the 5th Annual Night of Ice Skating, a joint effort of the Delaware Association of Blind Athletes and DVI. The event was held March 10, 2007 at the Delaware State Fair Ice Rink in Harrington. ________________ Free Service Makes Newspapers Accessible to Blind and Visually Impaired Delaware Residents Division of Libraries Begins Offering NFB-NEWSLINE¨ Since April of 2007, blind and visually impaired Delaware residents are able to enjoy 250 newspapers, including the News Journal, through a service called NFB-NEWSLINE¨. The service makes content from participating newspapers and magazines accessible on- demand by touch-tone phone twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Offered in forty other states, NFB-NEWSLINE¨ is now available in Delaware through the Delaware Division of Libraries. The NFB-NEWSLINE¨ system reformats the digital transmissions of participating newspapers and converts them to synthetic speech. The available newspapers include the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, and now the Wilmington News Journal among many others, including four Spanish-language newspapers and varied magazines. Subscribers are given an access code and then call a toll-free or local number to enter the NFB-NEWSLINE¨ system. They can browse the papers, choosing or skipping articles as they wish. The system reads each article aloud. The menu allows the user to change the speed and voice and to search for a particular word or subject. All individuals who are unable to read print are eligible to subscribe free of charge to NFB-NEWSLINE¨. To subscribe or to request more information, contact the Delaware Division of Libraries at (800) 282-8676. ________________ TECHNOLOGY News You Can Use American Federation for the Blind Senior Site: A Unique Web Resource for People with Age-Related Vision Loss A major public health issue is brewing in America. Over the next two decades, rates of vision loss from diseases like age-related macular degeneration are expected to double as the nation's 78 million baby boomers reach retirement age. To help prepare for this dramatic increase in Americans with vision loss, and to help the 6.5 million Americans over age 65 currently experiencing age-related vision loss, the American Foundation for the Blind has created the first web resource of its kind - a proactive, virtual vision center that encourages older adults to live independently and productively with vision loss. Available via a prominent link on AFB's home page www.afb.org/seniorsite, AFB Senior Site focuses on common sense and daily living solutions to help seniors with vision loss better adjust to their changing eyesight. It will also connect seniors and family members to local services and spotlight the wide range of assistive living products available to people with vision loss. Like the rest of the AFB web site, Senior Site is designed with adjustable text, color and contrast to make it accessible to those with low vision. The site also meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines so blind or low- vision users can navigate the site using voice browser technology. Please send your comments to seniorsite@afb.net. INFANTSEE¨: Healthy Vision for your Infant When a child is born, parents automatically think of trips of the pediatrician for check ups, but how many think of the need to go to an optometrist? InfantSEE¨, a program operated jointly by the American Optometric Association and Johnson and Johnson, provides free eye assessments for infants from the ages of six to twelve months. Early assessments can screen for the development of vision disorders, assure over all healthy eye development and check for indicators of allergies or even retinoblastoma, the seventh most common pediatric cancer. For more information on vision development during an infant's first twelve months, on the InfantSEE Program, or for a list of participating optometrists in Delaware, please refer to the InfantSEE web site: www.infantsee.com. ___________________ Delaware's Larry Byler Wins 3rd Place in National Contest Dover resident Larry Byler, age 13, a fifth grader at W. Reily Brown Elementary School, won 3rd Place in the Braille Readers Are Leaders 2006-2007 contest in the 4-5th Grade Division. The contest is sponsored by the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and the National Federation of the Blind. This was the 24th annual contest for blind youth. Students all over the United States and Canada keep a log of how many Braille pages they read, not including textbooks required by school. Larry read 7,263 Braille pages in a period of three months, from November to February. He was awarded certificates, ribbons, a Braille t-shirt and a monetary prize. Last year, Larry was a top ten reader, having read 4,901 pages. When asked about his achievement, Larry said that reading is a hobby of his and that he finds many books to be interesting. Larry said he was proud and thrilled to receive the award. We are wondering how many pages he will read next year! (Submitted by Nancy Frankl, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, W.Reily Brown Elementary School.) ___________________ ADVOCATES CORNER Accessible Pedestrian Signals: Yes or No? This is the second in our continuing series called “Advocates Corner”, discussing current issues facing the blind and visually impaired communities - Cynthia Lovell, Director, Division for the Visually Impaired Accessible Pedestrian Signals, or APS-the idea has been around for a while now. Many states and other countries have them, but there's none in Delaware. An APS has an auditory component, a recorded voice attached to the walk/don't walk pedestrian light, that lets people who can't see the light know which street has the green light. Twenty years ago, it was much easier to tell when it was safe to cross by listening to the sound of the traffic. More recently, however, traffic signalization has changed. Traffic lights have sensors to determine how many cars are waiting, and the length of the cycle can vary accordingly. Some lights are computerized to vary the cycle depending on the time of day. Coupled with the advance of the new quiet hybrid cars, the techniques used to cross streets in the past aren't always enough anymore. Recently, a pilot program was planned for three APS to be installed in Delaware; one in each county. The project has stalled however, largely from lack of support from the blind community. There are two major consumer groups representing people who are visually impaired on this issue, and they don't agree. Many members of the National Federation of the Blind feel that APS are unnecessary and that the money could be better spent elsewhere. They feel that people who are blind are capable of crossing safely using traditional auditory cues. The position of the American Council of the Blind is in favor of installing APS in key locations, and that people who are visually impaired have the same right as sighted people to access the walk/don't walk signal. Some critics of the early versions of the APS complained that they were too loud at times and that the cuckoos and chirps were confusing. Modern versions however, increase or decrease volume according to ambient sound, and use speech. What do you think? Have your voice heard! Call the Department of Transportation's Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator at: (302) 760-2509. Or send comments to dhssinfo@state.de.us and reference “DVI Advocates Corner.” ___________________ FOCUS ON A DISEASE: Diabetic Retinopathy Defined What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision. If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may not notice changes to your vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. Causes and Risk Factors How does diabetic retinopathy cause vision loss? 1. Fragile, abnormal blood vessels can develop and leak blood into the center of the eye, blurring vision. This is proliferative retinopathy and is the fourth and most advanced stage of the disease. 2. Fluid can leak into the center of the macula, the part of the eye where sharp, straight-ahead vision occurs. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. This condition is called macular edema. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to occur as the disease progresses. About half of the people with proliferative retinopathy also have macular edema. Who is at risk for diabetic retinopathy? All people with diabetes--both type 1 and type 2--are at risk. That's why everyone with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy. Between 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your doctor can recommend treatment to help prevent its progression. During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may be a problem for women with diabetes. To protect vision, every pregnant woman with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend additional exams during your pregnancy. Symptoms and Detection Does diabetic retinopathy have any symptoms? Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, nor is there any pain. Don't wait for symptoms. Be sure to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Blurred vision may occur when the macula-the part of the retina that provides sharp central vision-swells from leaking fluid. This condition is called macular edema. If new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye and block vision. What can I do if I already have lost some vision from diabetic retinopathy? If you have lost some sight from diabetic retinopathy, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. (Editor's Note: You may also contact the Division for the Visually Impaired at 302-255- 9800 for more information) National Eye Institute, 2020 Vision Place, Bethesda, MD 20892-3655 Content last reviewed April 2006, (301) 496-5248, www.nei.nih.gov ___________________ State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Joins New National Organization Debbie Briddell, Chair, Diana Erickson, Esquire, Vice Chair, and Melissa Shahan, Past Chair, of the DVI State Rehabilitation Council attended a National State Rehabilitation Council meeting in Bethesda, Maryland on April 22, 2007. The purpose of the meeting was to formalize an effort that has been growing the past two years to give a stronger voice to persons with disabilities through the State Rehabilitation Council. Debbie, Diana and Melissa have attended trainings and meetings in the past two years sparked by concerns over the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration closing of regional offices. The new organization arising from state concerns is the National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils (NCSRC). Currently the coalition has no money or staff, but for the time being is receiving support from the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR). Delaware has two SRCs: One for the Division for the Visually Impaired, and one for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. For further information about either SRC, you may contact Melissa Shahan who as Client Assistance Program Director is a mandated member of both councils. She can be reached by calling the CAP office at 1-800-640- 9336. ___________________ Focus on a Consumer: Amy Forrest In 20 years, Amy Forrest has come full circle: from a pre-schooler and client of the DVI education program, to a Teacher of the Visually Impaired with pre-school clients of her own. Amy's unique story is but one example of how the agency positively affects many Delawareans who are blind or visually impaired. She was born with a condition called “Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy” which results in clouding of the cornea. She had her first cornea transplant at 7 months. Even with these transplants, additional eye problems left Amy legally blind. When Amy was three years old, her family moved to Delaware. Her father called the DVI number listed in the phone book to try and find assistance for her when she was a pre-schooler enrolled in Caravel Academy in Newark. She was referred to the Education Unit in DVI and was assigned to Charlene Dolgos. Charlene helped her by counseling her, meeting with her teachers and helped coordinate the agency interdisciplinary approach by bringing in other DVI services at key points. These included: Orientation and Mobility (O&M) when she moved to a new school setting, to help orient her to her new environment; the Training Center, for assistance in textbook reading, accessing information and equipment demonstrations; and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) when she was in High School, for career counseling, and helping her with adaptive technology for her college courses. Charlene remained as a key resource during Amy's progress through the school system through her graduation at Hodgson Vo-Tech in Glasgow and beyond. Amy remembers Charlene not only as a teacher, but as an advocate and mentor: “I looked forward to the days that Miss Charlene would come to visit me at school. She provided me with all the accommodations I needed in order for me to keep up with my sighted classmates. She gave me all the tools I needed to succeed, from large print books, to specialized equipment; and the guidance and encouragement I needed to advocate for myself in the classroom. She would say, 'I'm not going to be with you forever Miss Amy; you must learn to advocate for yourself.' Miss Charlene worked very hard to make sure I had all the tools and knowledge I needed to be successful in school, college and most importantly, life”. In May of 2005, Amy graduated from Kutztown University with Magna Cum Laude honors and a dual major in Elementary Education and Teaching the Visually Impaired. Amy applied at the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired after learning of a teaching vacancy. In June of 2005 she was hired as a member of the Education Program. Her supervisor? None other than Charlene Dolgos. Amy had come full circle, and considers it a joy to come back and serve the agency that served her so well for so many years. Now Amy works with 38 visually impaired students in New Castle County. All but four of those students have multiple disabilities. In addition to overseeing her students' education, she feels it is critical that she provide them, their parents and teachers with the information necessary so that they can function to the fullest of their ability. Amy can relate to many of the challenges that her students face, having faced them herself. She says it is important for them to try to not dwell on their disability but focus on what they can do. This is the approach she has taken in her own life, with obvious success. Amy is looking forward to her marriage this summer and in completing her Master's Degree in the spring of 2009. ___________________ EVENTS JULY 19 3:30 p.m. - State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, New Castle. AUGUST 16 3:30 p.m. - State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, New Castle. SEPTEMBER 7 11:00 a.m. Governor's Advisory Council on the Blind, Belmont Hall, Smyrna. 20 12:00 Noon, State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, Belmont Hall, Smyrna. 20 3:30 p.m. - State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, New Castle. OCTOBER 5 11:00 a.m. Governor's Advisory Council on the Blind, Milford State Service Center. 15 White Cane Day (see article) 18 3:30 p.m. - State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, New Castle. NOVEMBER 2 11:00 a.m. Governor's Advisory Council on the Blind, Belmont Hall, Smyrna. 21 12:00 Noon - State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, Buena Vista Conference Center, New Castle. 15 3:30 p.m. - State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, New Castle. DECEMBER 7 11:00 a.m. Governor's Advisory Council on the Blind, Milford State Service Center. 20 12:00 Noon, State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, Buena Vista Conference Center, New Castle. 20 3:30 p.m. State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, New Castle. ______________________ Division for the Visually Impaired Support Groups The following is a current list of support groups for visually impaired Delawareans' and/or their caregivers. These focus groups deal with adjusting to blindness and vision related issues. Please call the individual facilitators for more information. New Castle County: 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly 10:00-11:30 am. Aldersgate United Methodist Church 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE Phone: 302-478-2575 Nancy Gordon, Facilitator: 302-995-7001 Kent County: 2nd and 4th Friday monthly 10:00 -11:30 am. Heritage House@ Dover 1203 Walker Road, Dover, DE Phone: 302-735-8800 Dr. Helena Carter, Facilitator: 302-598-5993 Sussex County: 1st Thursday of every month. 1:30-3:00 pm. Methodist Manor House 1001 Middleford Road Seaford, DE Phone: 302-629-9815 Robert Gray, Facilitator: 302-745-5455 1st and 3rd Thursday monthly 10:00- 11:30 am. Easter Seals 22317 DuPont Highway Georgetown, DE Phone: 302-855-9815 Robert Gray, Facilitator: 302-745-5455 3rd Thursday monthly 12:30-2:00 pm. Pelican Cove Cheer Center at Long Neck 6089 Long Neck Road Millsboro, DE Phone: 302-934-8839 Robert Gray, Facilitator: 302-745-5455 ___________________________ Tips for Interacting With a Person That Is Blind or Visually Impaired Do remember at all times that the only difference between you and me is that I am unable to see through my eyes what you see through yours. Beyond that, all other human qualities (physical, emotional, and mental) which make up a unique individual are present. DON'T be ill at ease. I'm an ordinary person who happens to be blind. You don't have to use some "politically correct" term, like "sight challenged", or avoid using the word blind. Keep it simple and honest. I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but it's an old story to me. I have so many other interests that we could talk about, just like you. DON'T pity me and don't talk about the "wonderful compensations" of blindness. My sense of smell, taste, touch and hearing did not improve when I lost my eyesight. I might rely on them more and, therefore, may get more information through these senses than you do--that's all. DON'T worry about using language like “see” and “look”, etc. I use those words all the time myself. I'm always glad to see a friend. DON'T raise your voice when you are speaking to me. Unless I tell you otherwise, my eyesight has not affected my ability to hear what others are saying. DO tell me if you have just approached or are leaving my presence. Almost everyone who is blind has had the embarrassing experience of talking to someone who doesn't answer because they have walked away. I want to know who is in the room with me. Speak when you enter and announce your name, "Hi, this is Keisha.” Introduce me to the others. Include children and tell me if there are any animals present. DO use very specific words for communicating direction. “Over there” doesn't help if you can't see where “there” is. Instead, DO use language like, “The telephone is on the right side of the desk”, or, “The restaurant is about 50 feet ahead, on the left.” DON'T grab my arm if you want to help me. I may use a long white cane or guide dog to walk independently - or - I may ask to take your arm so that you may assist me as my navigator. I'll hold onto your arm just above the elbow and keep a half step behind you to anticipate curbs and steps. This is called "sighted guide". DO tell me if we are about to go up or down a flight of stairs. You can let me know where the banister is either verbally or by placing my hand on it. When you need to show me to a chair, place my hand on the back of the chair. I can handle it from there. DON'T distract my guide dog while we are working together. It would be appreciated if you would ask me if you may speak to or pet the dog while it is not working (is not in its harness). DON'T leave doors to rooms and cabinets open or leave obstacles in walkways. They are a hazard for me. DO offer to read the menu (with prices, if appropriate) if a Braille or large print menu is unavailable when we are dining together. DON'T respond to our server if they ask you what I want-- "Cream in the coffee? -- let them ask me. I will not have trouble with ordinary table skills. Letting me know where the items on the table and even the food on my plate is positioned might be helpful. Imagine the face of a clock, "Your potatoes are at 4:00, your string beans are at 6:00..etc." DO ask me if I would like assistance--"How can I help you?"-- Sometimes your help may be declined but please don't be offended. It just means that at that specific time, I am handling things just fine, but, I would surely be appreciative of your help at another time. If I am your houseguest, show me the all exits, bathroom, closet, dresser, window--the light switch too. I like to know whether lights are on or off. DO contact the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired at (302) 255-9800 if you have any questions about services and resources for people of all ages who happen to be blind or visually impaired. THANK YOU! [Editor's note: This article was adapted from the NJ Commission for The Blind and Visually Impaired Website] ______________________ White Cane Safety Day Each year October 15th is observed as White Cane Safety Day. The white cane is a universal symbol; it immediately indicates that the bearer is visually impaired. In the early 1930's in Peoria, Illinois, a member of the local Lions' Club saw a man who was blind using a black cane trying to cross a busy road. The gentleman got halfway across the intersection when the light changed and he was caught in the middle of swirling traffic. The member of the local Lions' Club decided he was going to do something to try to make the public more aware of persons with visual impairment. The local Lions' Club had the idea that a white cane would be much more visible and could indicate to the general public that a person carrying one was visually impaired. In 1931, the Lions Clubs International adopted the promotion of white canes and advocating for White Cane Laws (White Cane Day Presentation by Jim Shiber, 2001). White Cane Safety Day has taken on added significance since 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first White Cane Safety Day proclamation after Congress passed HR 753 as a safety reminder to promote courtesy and special consideration to the blind on streets and highways. All 50 states now have a White Cane law declaring that drivers need to take caution and be prepared to stop their vehicle to prevent injury to people who are blind and visually impaired. White Cane Safety Day has become a second Independence Day for the estimated 10 million blind and visually impaired people in the United States (www.afb.org). It is emphasized during White Cane Day and all throughout the year that: 1) a person carrying a white cane or using a guide dog has the right of way while crossing a street in a crosswalk, as all pedestrians do, but the person with the white cane or guide dog is unable to see the traffic and deserves consideration and 2) a person using a guide dog is guaranteed access by law to any areas accessible by the general public. The white cane remains one of the most important and reliable tools for people who are blind or visually impaired. It increases the mobility of these citizens by allowing them to travel safely, facilitating their inclusion in all aspects of American life. The cane helps its bearers negotiate physical obstacles and thus enables the sightless to travel and work more easily in the public environment. For additional information about the Delaware White Cane Law, visit http://www.delcode.state.de.us/title16/c095 _____________________ Extra, Extra, Extra: Have You Heard? * Effective April 2007 a new connector has been added to the Smyrna Rest Stop for paratransit customers: 4:00 pm pick up; 5:15 departure from Smyrna * The Delaware Division of Public Health has developed a new guide: “Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Special Needs”. This guide can help you prepare for disasters such as hurricanes, fire, and terrorist events. Currently the guide is available in three formats: standard print, Braille and audiotape. To request a copy contact: Nicole Quinn Division of Public Health, Public Health Preparedness Section 302-223-1720 Nicole.Quinnstate.de.us or go to the web: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/index ________________ DVI VIEWS Division for the Visually Impaired, Delaware Health and Social Services Cynthia Lovell, Director Bob Goodhart, Deputy Director Debra Simpson, Elisha Jenkins, Jack Holloway, Editorial Staff http://www.state.de.us/dhss/dvi/index.html Please share, recycle or dispose of this document properly _____________________