Visually Impaired Teens Participate in Coastal Clean-Up

 

Contact:  Alicia Hefty                                                                                3107 N. Davis Hwy

alicia@ibwest.org                                                                                 Pensacola, FL  32503     

850-477-2663                                                                                              www.ibwest.org                          

September 30, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Visually Impaired Teens Participate in Annual Coastal Clean Up

 

Several visually impaired teenagers participated in the Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Annual Coastal Clean-Up Saturday September 26.  The students are participants of Independence for the Blind of West Florida’s Transition Program, which is funded in part by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services.  Executive Director Russell Rieder and Instructors John O’Dillon, Leigh Hoskins, and Annely Rose brought the group to assist in picking up trash and debris to help clean the shoreline.  After a barbecue lunch, the students watched a presentation about the history of Pensacola’s Gulf Coast and toured the visitor’s center, which has been rebuilt since Hurricane Ivan struck the area in 2004.  During the rebuilding of the center, Braille and other accommodations were installed to create a visually-impaired friendly atmosphere with tactile exhibits, according to Park Ranger Amanda Griffin. 

 

Saturday’s event was a success, cleaning 26 miles of beach and bringing out almost 300 volunteers to four of the parks twelve units:  Ft. Pickens, Naval Live Oaks, Opal Beach, and Perdido Key.  Each volunteer is given a data card to record the type of litter picked up, which is then given to researchers who track the main types of litter being discarded in oceans around the world.  Griffin said the annual event is usually held every 3rd Saturday in September, but the date was moved back this year to coincide with the Ken Burns’ documentary airing on PBS this week, “The National Parks-America’s Best Ideal.”

 

For more information about the Gulf Islands National Seashore call 850-934-2600.  If you want to learn more about Independence for the Blind and the education they provide to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages free of charge call 850-477-2663 or visit their website, www.ibwest.org.

 

 

 

 

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