South Carolina State University will host its “White Cane Day” Conference on Friday to promote awareness about the lives of the blind and visually impaired and the need for quality services.

This year’s conference theme is “Diverse Approaches to Providing Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired.” The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Kirkland W. Green Student Center.

Shirley Madison, director of S.C. State’s Blind Rehabilitation Program, said, “We thrive each year for greater excellence and a commitment to promoting awareness in the community of the services available to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.”

The speaker for this year’s conference is Freddie L. Peaco, who began her federal service career at the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, in August 1967.

She has held several positions at NLS and is currently the government information/volunteer specialist at the Library of Congress in the Reference Section. She is involved in numerous special projects and committees at NLS, including converting the audio book collection to a digital format.

Peaco is a native of North Carolina. She attended Howard University and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology. She also earned a master’s degree in public relations and journalism from American University.

The reservation fee for “White Cane Day” is $25. For more information, contact Madison at 803-533-3956.

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