[Nfbofsc] NFB Sumter Chapter: October Awareness Month & White Cane Safety Day

justin williams justin.williams2 at gmail.com
Mon Oct 13 11:12:26 UTC 2014


Have you sent this to the national lists? It's good? You should.

 

From: Nfbofsc [mailto:nfbofsc-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Debra Canty
via Nfbofsc
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2014 10:37 PM
To: NFB of SC Mailing List 2014
Subject: [Nfbofsc] NFB Sumter Chapter: October Awareness Month & White Cane
Safety Day

 

OCTOBER-Blind Awareness Month-October 15th-White Cane Safety Day

 

WHEREAS, The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not
the characteristic that defines you or your future.

WHEREAS, Everyday, we raise the expectations of blind people because low
expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.

WHEREAS, You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you
back. 

WHEREAS, the white cane is a simple, yet effective tool of independence that
contributes to the self-sufficiency of the blind and visually impaired by
allowing us to navigate through our environment safely and avoiding physical
barriers.

WHEREAS, the white cane is a symbol of dignity and determination as well as
a tangible reminder that we are able to go, to move, to be, and to compete
with all others in society and to lead full, independent, and productive
lives. WHEREAS, the 2014 observance of "Blind Awareness Month Is Observed In
October" which provides an opportunity for people across the nation to renew
our dedication to eliminating barriers for the blind and visually impaired.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby proclaim October 15, 2014 as WHITE CANE SAFETY
DAY throughout the nation and encourage all persons to show respect for
those who carry the white cane, to honor their many achievements, and to
reaffirm our commitment to improving access to basic services for blind and
visually impaired persons.

WHEREAS, here are some awareness reminders from blind and visually impaired
members of the Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

WHEREAS, those who refrain from shouting when talking to me.
WHEREAS, those who talk directly to me and not the other person there and
act as if I am invisible.

WHEREAS, those who will reach over me when passing out programs and
literature in a meeting, etc. 

WHEREAS, Those who will gladly get my attention and hand me an envelope to
participate in the offering.

WHEREAS, those who will identify themselves when speaking to me and not
asked, "Guess who"? 
WHEREAS, those who are having a conversation and walk away and leave me
still talking to the air. 
WHEREAS, those who wait for me to extend my hand before shaking it.
WHEREAS, those who gently place my hand on a object such as the back of a
chair when telling me where it is, so I can seat myself without so much
attention.

WHEREAS, those who try and quietly walk by me and not say a word.

WHEREAS, Those who do not discredit me by referring to my blindness
negatively in word or action.
WHEREAS, Those who do not distract my guide dog from being my active eyes. 

WHEREAS, those who laugh with me when I tell a joke related to blindness.

THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED, those who make an assumption, when I am going down
the steps and folks on both sides of me feel it is necessary to take away my
white cane and lift up my arms, which I no longer have a concept of the
depths of the steps or when I am on the last one.

THEREFORE IT BE FARTHER RESOLVED, I AM a human being who happens to be
blind.




Parts of this proclamation was written by the blind and visually impaired
members of the Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

Debra Canty, Pres.

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