Florida Division of Blind Services Hosts 75th Anniversary Ceremony and Expo at Veteran Affairs Medical Center in West Palm Beach
November 18, 2016
DOE Press Office
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Florida Division of Blind Services Hosts 75th Anniversary Ceremony and Expo at Veteran Affairs Medical Center in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, Fla., November 18, 2016 – Today, the Department of Education’s (FDOE) Division of Blind Services (DBS) commemorated its commitment to fostering independence to individuals who are blind and visually impaired during its 75th Anniversary Ceremony and Expo in West Palm Beach.
“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, we provided services to 727 individuals in Palm Beach and the surrounding counties, which included 267 jobseekers who were preparing for or looking to retain employment. 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.”
Through 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 agency works with adults to attain independent living solutions and career and vocational education skills so they can accomplish their life goals.
The 75th Anniversary Ceremony and Expo featured educational sessions, networking opportunities, a community and technology showcase and inspirational testimonials from former DBS clients. The event also served as a time to celebrate the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Two-time Paralympian Donté Mickens shared his story of overcoming his own personal adversities to become one of the most recognized advocates for persons with visual disabilities in West Palm Beach.
“My mom taught me that though the attention and challenges may seem and actually be unfair at times,” he said, “always find a way to leverage that which appears negative and keep moving forward.”
Mickens, 36, is a graduate of Florida State University and the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. He competed in in the Paralympics in 2004 in Athens, Greece, where he won a bronze medal as part of the United States National Men's Goalball Team, and again in 2008 in Beijing, China.
“In sports, we learn to challenge ourselves both mentally and physically,” Mickens said. “Being visually impaired is nothing more than a challenge that will ultimately make us that much stronger and faster in the end. Vision loss can be an addition by subtraction, as long as you don't misread the equation.”
As part of the Anniversary Ceremony, DBS inducted 15 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 its programs, visit http://dbs.myflorida.com/.
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