On Friday, October 13, Ottumwa Mayor Lazio recognized the Great Prairie AEA and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired partnership, as part of a White Cane Day Celebration. Area students, parents, and teachers from Ottumwa, Cardinal, Burlington, Fairfield, Oskaloosa, & Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont participated in fun activities to create awareness of White Cane Day on October 15.
Great Prairie AEA provides visual impairment support to students and families in two areas by specifically trained educators:
- Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments – provides instruction in support of the academic and extra-curricular needs of students
- Orientation and Mobility Specialist – provides instruction in techniques of safe and efficient travel addressing the implications of a visual impairment on independence
Learn more at https://www.gpaea.org/services/visual-impairment/
White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States, celebrated on October 15 of each year since 1964. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
