When Dr. Kenneth Jernigan took over as director of the Iowa Commission for the Blind 50 years ago, he transformed the department, its philosophy and mission. He instilled the ideal that blind people could be as active, successful and educated as their sighted counterparts. Now known as the Iowa Department for the Blind, the agency continues Dr. Jernigan’s vision, helping blind Iowans gain the skills and confidence to lead healthy, productive, independent and successful lives.

Join us in celebrating 50 years of providing blind Iowans with services in our building and around the state. Come tour our remodeled building during Open House, and learn about public transit issues affecting blind Iowans during the Transportation Forum.

Open House

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Department for the Blind building
524 Fourth St.
Des Moines

Program features:

• 9:00 a.m. - 1:00  p.m. - Tours of the building and displays of services the department provides.

• 1:30 p.m. - Afternoon program, including speaker’s panel, awards ceremony and refreshments.

• 4:00  p.m. - Tours resume.

Transportation Forum

Oct. 31, 2009
1:30 to 4 p.m.
Polk County Convention Center
501 Grand Ave. Rm. 134, Des Moines

Event features:

• Speakers from the Office of Public Transit, Iowa Department of Transportation, Des Moines Area Rapid Transit (DART), and Iowa Public Transit Association.

• Attendees will have a chance to ask questions of panelists and comment on local issues.

Discount parking and hotel rates are available. For more information, please contact Tiffany Bickell  at 515.281.1336 or Tiffany.Bickell@blind.state.ia.us

RSVP 

To RSVP to the either event, please contact:
Carolyn Hicklin 
515.281.1337  
Carolyn.Hicklin@blind.state.ia.us

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