FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          November 8, 2006

NORTHWESTERN TO RECOGNIZE WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY

            White Cane Safety Day will be observed at Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Nov. 14 thanks to the efforts of a visually impaired graduate student at the university.

            Cammie Vloedman of Oklahoma City recently brought the idea to the attention of Brad Franz, dean of student affairs and enrollment management with responsibilities over the Americans with Disabilities Act on campus, and Mistie Kline, director of the Academic Success Center.

Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, proclaims Nov. 14 as White Cane Safety Day on the campus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Observing the event are Cammie Vloedman, seated, and Brad Franz and Mistie Kline.

            Vloedman currently is serving as president of the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for blind students in high schools and colleges.

            “NABS encourages all its members and supporters to be self-advocates on their school campuses,” Vloedman said.

            Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, has signed a proclamation for the observance to be Nov. 14, which asks all Northwestern community members to recognize the importance of blind and visually impaired citizens and their daily impact.

            “This day is important for Northwestern to celebrate because college is one of the steps helping students to become successful individuals,” Vloedman said. “We should celebrate the obstacles blind and all disabled students have overcome to get where they are today.”

            The official proclamation by the President of the United States reads as follows:

            “Many Americans who are blind or visually impaired use white canes to enable them to enjoy greater mobility, engage in productive work, and participate fully in all aspects of life. On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the many achievements of Americans who are blind or visually impaired, and we recognize the white cane as an important symbol of their determination and independence.”

-NW-

Back to News Page