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WHEREAS, in 1887 the Western Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind was chartered, and moved to its present location in 1894 on land donated by Ms. Mary Schenley; and
WHEREAS, the school provides services and programs to approximately 170 students on its campus and hundreds more through outreach programs to school districts across Western Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is now celebrating its 125th anniversary of serving the visually impaired community in Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the keystone of the anniversary celebration is the dedication of an urban trail on the grounds of the school which will serve as an instructional component for blind and visually impaired children learning how to navigate outdoors using either white cane or wheelchair; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Trail will incorporate various surface textures associated with common walkways, a staff-activated crosswalk like that of a typical street corner, an outdoor pavilion for classrooms to conduct activities in a natural setting, and an adapted swing set that can accommodate students in wheelchairs; and
WHEREAS, the design of the trail is a collaboration of cross section of school staff including Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Orientation and Mobility Instructors, Physical and Occupational Therapists, and Administrators with the professional assistance of M.T.R. Landscape Architects; and
WHEREAS, the project will help students meet educational goals, promote independent travel, improve concept development, encourage the exploration of the environment and allowing students self-determination for social and recreational activities.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh joins with the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children in celebration of their 125th anniversary; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Friday, October 19t...
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