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White Cane Safety Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
To help increase their mobility
and assist them in their daily lives, many people who are blind
or visually impaired use a white cane. On White Cane Safety Day,
we celebrate the symbolism of this important tool and the enduring
spirit of independence and determination shown by Americans who
use it.
In 1964, President Lyndon B.
Johnson signed the first Presidential proclamation for White
Cane Safety Day. He wrote that the observance would "make
our people more fully aware of the meaning of the white cane"
and help increase the safety and self-reliance of our citizens
who are blind or visually impaired. Over the last four decades,
our Nation has removed many barriers for these individuals, making
it easier for them to find jobs, access public buildings, and
live independently in their communities.
Today, we are working to ensure
that all Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to
live with dignity, work productively, and realize their full
potential. Through the New Freedom Initiative, my Administration
continues to build on the progress of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (ADA) to further promote the full participation of
people with disabilities in all areas of society. The Department
of Justice's ADA Business Connection is helping create a better
understanding of ADA requirements and promote dialogue between
the business community and the disability community. And the
Department of Justice's Project Civic Access is improving public
facilities to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated
into community life. Through the Ticket to Work program and the
Work Incentives Improvement Act, we are making significant strides
toward building an America where all individuals are recognized
for their talents and creativity. These efforts will help provide
Americans who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity
to pursue their dreams and realize the promise of our great country.
The Congress, by joint resolution
(Public Law 88-628) approved on October 6, 1964, as amended,
has designated October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety
Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W.
BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim
October 15, 2004, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public
officials, business leaders, educators, librarians, and all the
people of the United States to join with me in ensuring that
all the benefits and privileges of life in our Nation are available
to individuals who are blind and visually impaired, and to observe
this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand this fifteenth day of October, in the year of our
Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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Source: White House web site:
www.whitehouse.gov.
President George W. Bush Photo: White House Photo by Eric Draper. |
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