Governor Rell Announces Blindness Safety Day

and Oct. 23 Awards Ceremony

October 15th is White Cane Safety Day in Connecticut and throughout the United States, and Governor M. Jodi Rell today reminded motorists to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are blind. 

“It is the law in Connecticut that drivers must stop for pedestrians who are blind,” said Governor Rell.  “Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle in Connecticut needs to understand their obligation to watch for pedestrians with White Canes or Guide Dogs and to stop for their safe crossing.”

The governor also announced that an October 23 state-sponsored awards ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments for people who are blind and those who have made significant contributions toward promoting the success of people who are blind in Connecticut will take place at the State Capitol at 10:00 AM. 

“Recipients of these awards exemplify the successes and capabilities of people who are blind,” said Governor Rell.  “These awards do not just honor past achievement, they give inspiration to others of a hopeful future by spotlighting academic success, community involvement and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Award Recipients include:

Emily Wells Foster Achievement Award

Junerose Killian, Niantic, CT;

Cornell Graduate, mother of eight, lecturer, lifelong advocate and activist in both the local community and nationally in cultural, sports and disability issues.

Raymond E. Baldwin Award

1) Irene Watson, Colchester, CT;

Educator, advocate, low vision innovator, community leader and fundraiser for services and programs that increase independence for people who are blind.

2) Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, New Haven, CT

Philanthropic organization providing grants and funding to community organizations, with exceptional commitment to programs that that provide services to the blind.

Kenneth V. Olson Excellence in Education Award

Agnes Allen, Stamford, CT;

Teacher of Visually Impaired in two states and author of “Life Without Sight: My Journey into the Worlds of the Sighted and the Blind."

Business Enterprise Manager Award

Joseph Nerney, New Hartford, CT;

Philanthropist and musician in the Strong Bonds Program for veterans and their families, entrepreneur managing the gift shop in the State Office Building.

Student Achievement Award- Academics

Nathaniel Book, West Suffield, CT;

Computer Science Student at Suffield High School with accomplishments in  software and web design, and member of the FIRST Robotics Team that competed internationally.

Student Achievement Award- Civics

Joseph Eckler, Newtown, CT

Long-standing community involvement in Best Buddies, and in Scouting where he served as a Patrol Leader, mentoring new Scouts.  Recipient of the Student of the Month Award at Newtown High School.

Student Achievement Award- Arts

Tiffany Davis, New Haven, CT;

Accomplished vocalist, composer, and performer for the Neighborhood Music School, Connecticut Music Educator’s Association Festival, Heritage Chorale, and the Hamden Symphony.

Student Achievement Award- Athletics

Justin Edwards, Ellington, CT;

Manager and player on the Ellington Middle School boy’s basketball team, scoring three baskets at the Jayvee competition level. 

Large Business Employer of the Year Award (Over 100 Employees)

Super Stop & Shop/Amity New Haven, CT;

Recognized for enduring support and commitment to employ several individuals who are blind.

Small Business Employer of the Year Award (Under 100 Employees)

Attorney at Law, Mr. Valdis Vinkels, Hartford, CT;

For commitment in accommodating a 20-year employee who was legally blind.

For more information on the awards and services that are available through the Board of Education and Services for the Blind, visit https://www.ct.gov/besb.