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White Cane Safety Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Americans who are blind or visually
impaired are valuable and contributing members of our society,
and many use a white cane to help them succeed at school, home,
or work. White canes give these individuals greater mobility
and enable them to participate in more aspects of community life.
On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the progress that has
been made for those who are blind or visually impaired, and we
reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that these citizens can live
and work with greater freedom and independence.
One of our Nation's defining
values is compassion, and we must make certain that all our citizens
are able to harness their talents, engage in productive work,
and participate fully in society. My Administration is working
to fulfill this goal for individuals with disabilities through
the New Freedom Initiative. This comprehensive program helps
increase the development and use of assistive and universally
designed technologies, expand educational and employment opportunities,
and improve access into daily community life. By working to reduce
barriers and change old ways of thinking, we can help ensure
that our Nation's opportunities are more accessible to all.
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, 2005, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public
officials, business leaders, educators, librarians, and all the
people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand this fourteenth day of October, in the year of our
Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
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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