State and Local Leaders Celebrate 75th Anniversary of Providing Critical Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Floridians
July 28, 2016
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State and Local Leaders Celebrate 75th Anniversary of Providing Critical Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Floridians
Fort Myers, Fla., July 28, 2016 – Today, state and local leaders gathered at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers to commemorate the Department of Education’s (DOE) commitment to fostering independence to individuals who are blind and visually impaired over the last 75 years.
“As a state and nation, we have come a long way over the last 75 years in terms of how individuals with disabilities are treated, a fact in which all Floridians can take great pride,” Commissioner Stewart said. “I am honored that the Department of Education has been able to increase accessibility and inclusion for Floridians in the blind and visually impaired community, and we are committed to ensuring that progress continues so everyone who touches our system has the greatest chance at a successful future.”
Through DOE’s Division of Blind Services (DBS), blind and visually impaired Floridians have access to many educational, vocational, medical, social and recreational services beginning at birth. In addition to helping younger clients learn to navigate the many aspects of life that may be more difficult for persons with visual impairments, the Division of Blind Services works with adults to obtain independent living solutions and career and vocational education skills so they can accomplish their life goals.
“Since 1941, DBS has made vast strides in attacking the barriers that have hindered persons with visual disabilities from fully participating in our society and our workforce,” DBS Director Robert L. Doyle, III, said. “This year, through partnerships with our community rehabilitation programs, the Division has assisted 841 individuals with successfully reaching their vocational goals. As we look to the future, we continue to charge toward our goal of Florida being a barrier-free environment for residents with visual disabilities.”
The ceremony and expo featured educational sessions, sensory activities for children, business networking opportunities and a community and technology showcase. Organizations and companies from around the region also attended, and a business luncheon, presented by Hands on Educational Services, Inc., provided companies with information regarding training programs and discussed the benefits of hiring individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities.
The event welcomed more than 100 guests, and featured several community members who have played an important role throughout DBS history, including Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart, former president for the American Council of the Blind Paul Edwards, and current and past members of consumer organizations and direct service providers.
Entrepreneur and former DBS client John DiMarco served as the keynote speaker. DiMarco lost his vision more than a decade ago to a retinal detachment, transitioning him from blurry vision to total blindness. He has made it his mission to help others by designing tools for assisted mobility and special apps, and he offers one-on-one training for individuals who need assistance in learning how to use these products.
DiMarco, who received his training from the Lighthouse of Collier in Naples and DBS’ Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach, told the audience that persons with visual disabilities are just as capable as any fully sighted person.
“I am grateful for the outreach, training and assistance DBS provided to me as a client,” said DiMarco, a Naples resident. “Through the division and other community advocacy groups, I now have better access to opportunities for employment.”
Triathlete Rachel Weeks also gave a testimonial during the ceremony. There was a time when Weeks believed that having Usher Syndrome, a condition affecting both vision and hearing, meant certain goals were outside the realm of possibility. Through education and athletics, she discovered that is not the case. Weeks, who has been participating in triathlons all over the country, told the audience her mission is centered on cultivating paths and moving toward possibilities.
“What I have learned is that conditions do not determine our reality,” Rachel said. “Our reality is determined by our focus. Once we decide we can do it, we persevere.”
As part of the Anniversary Ceremony, DBS inducted 11 new members into the "Successful 75," an award program that recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who have remained steadfast in the advancement of independence for persons who are blind and visually impaired.
For more information about the Division of Blind Services and their programs, visit http://dbs.myflorida.com/
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