White Cane Awareness Day Celebrated at RCC

From Rockland Community College, State University of New York: Rockland Community College was proud to host the annual observance of White Cane Awareness Day. The Association for the Visually Impaired (AVI) and RCC Accessibility Services sponsored the event, held in RCC’s Student Union.

RCC alumnus Kenneth Chi was the keynote speaker. A 2010 graduate of the College, Chi currently works as a program advocate at BRiDGES, a local agency which works on behalf of people with disabilities. BRiDGES served as a co-sponsor for the workshop.

AVI Executive Director Beth Bate-Du Boff and Employment Placement Specialist Yolanda Rihlmann moderated the event. Director of Accessibility Services Monica Jackson represented RCC, while Downstate Regional Coordinator Jason Eckert appeared on behalf of the New York State Commission for the Blind, another co-sponsor.

White Cane Awareness Day is a national observance, held each October since 1964. The goal is to educate people about blindness, and how those who are blind or visual impaired can live and work independently and achieve success. The white cane is an important tool in helping the blind achieve independence.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a Guided Sight demonstration wearing simulation glasses and learn about the latest Low Vision tools and technological advancements. Lions Club District 20-R1 also co-sponsored the event and presented a check to AVI to support its services.

AVI is a nonprofit organization serving Rockland and Orange Counties, providing

comprehensive vision rehabilitation, mobility instruction, employment placement, and social work services to visually impaired children and adults. For more information, visit www.avieyes.org.

To learn about what services RCC offers to visually impaired individuals and others with disabilities, visit here.

Photos courtesy of Rockland Community College:

(Image 1) Rockland Community College graduate Kenneth Chi gave the keynote speech at the White Cane Awareness Day event held at the College. Chi poses after his speech with (l. to r.) RCC student Claudia Sandoval, Accessibility Services Program Assistant Alicia McDonald and Director of Accessibility Services Monica Jackson.

(Image 2) A guest tries out simulation goggles at the White Cane Awareness Day event held at Rockland Community College.