White Cane Safety Day, 2004

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 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B