[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7833 of October 15, 2004


 
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

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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

PROCLAMATION 7834--OCT. 18, 2004