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WHEREAS, The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, chartered in 1887, will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year; and
WHEREAS, located in the heart of Oakland, the School has consistently been one of the world leaders in instruction of and care for blind children, constantly expanding its educational and therapeutic offerings and creating innovative new programs to meet changing needs; and
WHEREAS, since the mid-1980s the School has focused on blind children who also have other serious disabilities, a group not being well-served by the broader medical and educational establishments, and has been able to effectively integrate education and therapy to provide students with unique opportunities for growth and development; and
WHEREAS, to commemorate their 125th anniversary the School will incorporate special history lessons for pupils and host two educational symposiums for the public focusing on increasing awareness and improving instructional services for the visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, the capstone of the anniversary year will be the development of an Urban Trail, located on the Oakland campus, which will simulate real-world situations - like crossing a busy street - and encourage exploration in a safe, nurturing environment.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby celebrate the 125th anniversary of The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare January 5, 2012 to be "The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.