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 accomplishments of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and the importance of the white cane as a tool of independence. It is a day when the public is educated about the white cane in regards to blind pedestrian safety. Drivers should know to stop when someone is crossing the street with a white cane. On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress was signed into law, and authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day. In 2011, White Cane Safety Day was also named Blind Americans Equality Day by President Barack Obama. The White Cane Safety Day 50th anniversary was celebrated locally. Events included a march to the old Savannah court house, speeches and proclamations by city officials, and a luncheon at the Mirage Restaurant. Bob McGarry, Executive Director of L.I.F.E. Inc., and Garrick Scott, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia were the keynote speakers at the luncheon.

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The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was recently signed by the President at a White House signing Ceremony! The House and Senate have passed the bipartisan and bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The Senate passed WIOA by a vote of 95-3 and the House Passed it by a vote of 415-6. Now, with the President’s signature WIOA becomes the law of the land! It is time to celebrate, and to come together as advocates from across the nation to learn exactly what these changes will mean for IL at the Federal level. The Rehabilitation Act is contained in WIOA. Specifically, improvements to Independent Living in this bill include: • The establishment of the Independent Living Administration in the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) • Transition will be added as a fifth core service • SILC activities will be improved and include resource development • SPIL sign-off will now include CIL Directors • States will choose their ‘designated state entity’ (formerly known as the DSU). The DSUs will remain the same for the “723 states” of Massachusetts and Minnesota. Excerpt taken from a NCIL

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LUNCHTIME LEARNING SERIES: What is the big IDEA behind Inclusion?

You are invited to attend: Lunchtime Learning Series: What is the big IDEA behind Inclusion? Wednesday, April 17, 2013 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM FREE Training The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism is hosting a monthly Lunchtime Learning Series. Bring your lunch and we will provide drinks and dessert. Each month we will have a speaker discussing a…

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Personal Well-Being Workshop Series

We have several workshops coming in March to help those with disabilities to overcome stereotypes, gain self esteem, and help with personal appearance as well. March 6– Talking About MY Disability-Overcoming Labels and Stereotypes. March 13– Self-Esteem/Empowerment, Self-Assertiveness/Advocacy. March 20– Personal Hygiene, Make Up and Etiquette. We hope that you will be able to come to these workshops. They…

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