White Cane Safety Day, 2003

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 7722--White Cane Safety Day, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7722 of October 15, 2003

White Cane Safety Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, millions of Americans who are blind or
visually impaired use the white cane as they travel,
attend school, or work. The white cane remains one of
the most important and reliable tools for people who
are blind or visually impaired. It increases the
mobility of these citizens, facilitating their
inclusion in all aspects of American life. Since 1964
on White Cane Safety Day, America has reaffirmed our
commitment to achieving equal opportunity and full
independence for those who are blind or visually
impaired.

Today, more people with disabilities are attending
school and working than ever before. However, much work
remains to fully open the doors of opportunity for
citizens who are blind or visually impaired. To meet
these challenges, I have created the New Freedom
Initiative, a comprehensive plan to assist Americans
with disabilities by increasing access to educational
and employment opportunities. This initiative is
lowering barriers more so that Americans can
participate fully in their communities, and live and
work in dignity and freedom.

My Administration also continues to promote
implementation of section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973. This important statute requires the Federal
Government to make more of its electronic and
information technology resources, including Government
websites, accessible to people with disabilities.

As we recognize the contributions of people who are
blind or visually impaired, we resolve to continue
building a better America where all individuals are
celebrated for their abilities and encouraged to
achieve their dreams.

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, 2003, 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
fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B