"White Cane Day" or Opportunities and a Blind Date

2 Major events this week:

Geo and I attended a press conference with Gov Jim Douglas at the Echo Center for the introduction of a new loan program provided through the Opportunities Credit Union. Opportunities is providing low cost loans to persons who may not otherwise qualify, for adaptive equipment to provide those with disabilities increased ease and mobility to fully participate in society. The equipment, or devices, are very often unaffordable to those who need them most. By taking part in this low cost loan program, more persons will be able to become gainfully employed, to become more actively engaged in advocacy, as well as to enjoy life more fully and independently. Opportunities is the only bank or credit union in this area providing this type of loan.

Last night was the first (hopefully annual) "Blind Date" event to raise funds to be used for adaptive hearing services for audio described plays, and soon-to-be- movies, for the blind and visually impaired. Think about it: a visually impaired person, even sitting in the front row, misses much of what is happening onstage, merely because he or she just cannot see what is happening. To hear the dialogue alone is inadequate to appreciate the production. The VT Council of the Blind has a program of training volunteers to audibly describe action, set, even facial expressions of the actors while a play is happening; this is transmitted through audio receiver headsets worn by those who request them. Through a generous grant, this on-going program was initiated. The benefit last night was to raise funds to continue this invaluable program. Major news is that the Capitol Theater in Montpelier will soon provide for audio description.

The benefit dinner was a "Blind Date" because each placesetting included an eyemask to be worn during the dinner. Everyone could learn what it is like for the blind to eat. Meat was a 6 o'clock, potato at 11, and veggies at 1 o'clock.

And what about "White Cane Day?" Who of us even know that this is a national day of awareness for the blind and visually impaired? Apparently not the State of VT. At last night's dinner I happened to sit next to a gentleman (Mr. G.) who wants to learn new ways to promote this in VT. He did a google and was pleased to see a reference to an offical state of VT website. However, as he read the reference, it noted that "White Cane Day" was included as one of the five silliest holidays in VT. He fired off an email to Secretary of State Deb Markowicz to enlighten her about this, and he requested an apology on behalf of persons with disabilities who may be offended by this reference. She apologized; "White Cane Day" as a silly holiday is now removed from the site. Mr. G. is taking this one step further, however. He is requesting that the state officially promote this annual day of awareness. No response as yet...

Good news is, I hear Mayor Peter Clavelle of Burlington, VT has participated in "white Cane Day" by walking down Church Street, blindfolded and with a cane. All to raise awareness. Seems that many people are not conscious of making way for a person with a cane. "White Cane Day" is coming to a state near you in October. Any suggestions for observing this day?