White Cane Safety Day, 2002

Proclamation 7610 of October 11, 2002

White Cane Safety Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The white cane is a powerful symbol of independence and
opportunity for visually impaired persons. It is also
an essential tool for increasing mobility and
productivity for those who are blind as well as those
who suffer from severe visual impairment. On White Cane
Safety Day, our Nation renews its dedication to
eliminating barriers for every disabled American,
especially the blind and visually impaired.

My Administration seeks to ensure that all Americans
enjoy full access to employment, education, and all the
blessings of freedom. Through my ``New Freedom
Initiative,'' we are working to provide people with
disabilities more employment opportunities and
increased access to new technologies for independent
living. My 2003 budget for this initiative proposes
$145 million for alternative transportation and
innovative transportation grants that will improve
accessibility to vital aspects of society including
schools, jobs, and places of worship. By implementing
these and other important reforms, we can make great
progress towards an America where individuals are
celebrated for their talents and abilities, not judged
by their limitations and disabilities.

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, 2002, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public
officials, 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 great Nation
are available to blind and visually impaired
individuals, and to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B