CIL News

A White Cane Safety Awareness Art Contest for High School Students Sponsored by the City of Jacksonville’s Disabled Services Division

Theme

The theme of this art contest is White Cane Safety Awareness. Participants should review BOTH state statutes 316.1301 and 316.1303 to prepare. The statutes are included as a reference.  The competition judges are looking to see how this topic inspires you, whether it is “concern for the safety of citizens with disabilities” or an amazing story told through art.

Eligibility

Open to all High School students in Duval County 

 Submission Guideline

All artwork must be original.  One entry limit per individual.  The artwork should be 2D and can be in any medium, including painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, digital art, etc. Artwork should be no smaller than 8” x 10” and no larger than 11” x 14”.  Any paint or drawing material is acceptable but, please keep in mind that artwork will need to be photographed or scanned for submission.

• A selection committee will be reviewing anonymized digital images of the original artwork.
• A fully completed submission form must accompany the digital image of the artwork. 

Submission Deadline 

All entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday October 27, 2019. Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. 

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be judged by a selection committee from the City of Jacksonville Mayor’s Disability Council based on interpretation of the theme, how well the artwork conveys the state statutes, technical skill, and originality. Slogans that complement the message of the artwork are encouraged, for example: Look, Stop, Proceed with Caution.

Prizes

• First Place winner will receive: Microsoft Surface Book
• Second Place winner will receive: Microsoft Surface Pro
• Third place winner will receive: Microsoft Surface Go

Notification of Winners

All entries will be scored by a panel of judges whereby a first, second, and third place will be chosen. In the event of a tie, the judges reserve the right to make a final decision and all decisions made by the panel will be final. Winners will be selected in December and will be announced at the City of Jacksonville’s Mayor’s Disability Council meeting on December 3, 2019. 

Disclaimer

All entries become the property of the City of Jacksonville’s Disabled Services Division and may be used in our public awareness campaigns and/or to promote any/all programs and services. The Division has the ability to nullify the contest or reduce the number of awards if an adequate number of entries are not received.

State Statutes Related to Traffic Regulations to Assist Blind Persons

316.1301 Traffic regulations to assist blind persons.—

(1) It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red. A person who is convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(2) Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian. A person who is convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a moving violation punishable as provided in chapter 318.

(3) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person not carrying such a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians crossing streets or highways. The failure of any such person to carry a cane or walking stick or to be guided by a dog shall not be considered comparative negligence, nor shall such failure be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action with regard to negligence.

316.1303 Traffic regulations to assist mobility-impaired persons.—

(1) Whenever a pedestrian who is mobility impaired is in the process of crossing a public street or highway with the assistance of a guide dog or service animal designated as such with a visible means of identification, a walker, a crutch, an orthopedic cane, or a wheelchair, the driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at the intersection and, before proceeding, shall take precautions necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian.

(2) A person who is mobility impaired and who is using a motorized wheelchair on a sidewalk may temporarily leave the sidewalk and use the roadway to avoid a potential conflict, if no alternative route exists. A law enforcement officer may issue only a verbal warning to such person.

(3) A person who is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) shall be punished as provided in s. 318.18(3).