White Cane Safety Day, 2000

Proclamation 7367 of October 14, 2000

White Cane Safety Day, 2000

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Last month at the Olympic Games in Sydney, American
runner Marla Runyan made history in the women's 1500-
meter race. She was not considered a favorite in the
event and won no medals, placing ninth in the final
competition. But as the first legally blind athlete
ever to qualify for and compete in an Olympic event,
Marla set an extraordinary precedent and proved to
millions of people across the globe that disability
need not be a limitation on achievement or a barrier to
success.

Marla Runyan's accomplishment reflects the spirit of
two historic pieces of legislation whose milestone
anniversaries we celebrate this year. Ten years ago,
the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law
to guarantee access to public accommodations and
services and to outlaw workplace discrimination for
people with disabilities. Twenty-five years ago, the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law,
ensuring that people with disabilities have access to a
free and appropriate public education. Both of these
laws have made a significant impact on the lives of
millions of Americans with disabilities by allowing
them to pursue their dreams and make their own
contributions to our society.

But even before passage of these landmark laws, the
white cane was helping to open doors of opportunity for
many blind and visually impaired Americans. With proper
training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater
mobility and safety by determining the location of
curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical
obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them
the freedom to travel independently to their schools
and workplaces and to participate more fully in the
life of their communities.

The white cane is a simple tool, but, like Marla
Runyan's accomplishments, it reminds us that the only
barriers against people with disabilities are
discriminatory attitudes and practices that our society
has too often placed in their way. As we observe White
Cane Safety Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to
building a society where we embrace the talents,
energy, and contributions of every individual.

To honor the many achievements of blind and visually
impaired citizens and to recognize the white cane's
significance in advancing independence, the Congress,
by joint resolution approved October 6, 1964, has
designated October 15 of each year as ``White Cane
Safety Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
15, 2000, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon the
people of the United States, government officials,
educators, and business leaders to observe this day
with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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