Saint Paul, MN – The City of Saint Paul received the First Annual White Cane Award today from the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota (ACBM). The award recognizes the city’s efforts to enhance safe travel of the blind, deaf/blind and visually impaired pedestrians. Deputy Mayor, Ann Mulholland and Public Works Director, Rich Lallier received the award on behalf of the city.

“It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of Saint Paul. We will continue make our City more walkable for people with visual impairments, ensuring a quality of life for all residents,” Deputy Mayor Ann Mulholland said.

To date, Saint Paul has installed 14 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS).  The signals have tactile arrows which when pressed, speak the street name and verbalize different commands for the pedestrian depending on the status of the signal. The signals emit a beeping sound to inform the person where an APS is located.

“We are honored that ACBM has recognized our city’s efforts and selected us for their first ever White Cane Award, stated Rich Lallier, Public Works Director.  “We will continue to add more Accessible Pedestrian Signals into the future.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without the APS,” says Janet Dickelman, president of ACBM.  “I live in St. Paul so I’m thrilled that our organization can let the city know how appreciative we are for their attention to the safety of pedestrians like myself!”

Inspired by National White Cane Day, the award is the first in what will become an annual event, recognizing public agencies and businesses for their work in enhancing the lives of those blind, deaf/blind, or visually impaired.

ACBM is a non-profit membership organization of persons who are blind, deaf/blind, or visually impaired, which promotes equal access, equal opportunity, full participation and independent living and economic self-sufficiency for its members. ACBM is an affiliate of its parent organization, the American Council of the Blind, a national non-profit.