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DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa students used AI technology and tech devices to better experience the Blank Park Zoo during White Cane Day event.

Iowa students who are blind or visually impaired and their families were invited to spend the morning at Blank Park Zoo to celebrate White Cane Safety Day. Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI) staff were there to help the students experience inclusive access to the animals and exhibits.

IESBVI staff taught the students how to use an app that audibly reads sign’s and describes the animal’s enclosure. IESBVI gave demonstrations on how white canes are used and the different types of white canes. There were also monocular and binocular optical telescopes that helped provide better access to low-visions students.

After the demonstration students, families, and staff went on a tour of the zoo. Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRIS) provided live narration of the animals and exhibits during the tour.

Susan Rolinger, Director of Expanded Learning for IESBVI, says events like these fill her with hope and joy. These events give impaired individuals opportunities and experiences that they might normally miss out on.

“We want people to see the work that we do and how independent these students are, how they can enjoy days like this with full access,” said Rolinger.

Rolinger says that some students may not have need of these tools during their everyday life, causing them to have less knowledge of certain devices or systems. She hopes that by giving students the tools and teaching them to use them, they can utilize them later when the occasion arises.

This event comes just before White Cane Safety Day, recently changed to Blind Americans Equality Day, on October 15. The day recognizes the white cane as a symbol of safety, mobility, and independence for people who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind.