White Cane Safety Day, 2006

Proclamation 8069 of October 12, 2006

White Cane Safety Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation believes in the promise of all our citizens,
and we must work to ensure that the opportunities of
America are more accessible to every person. Many
Americans who are blind or visually impaired use white
canes to enable them to enjoy greater mobility, engage
in productive work, and participate fully in all
aspects of life. On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate
the many achievements of Americans who are blind or
visually impaired, and we recognize the white cane as
an important symbol of their determination and
independence.

My Administration remains committed to removing
barriers that confront Americans with disabilities.
Since we launched the New Freedom Initiative 5 years
ago, we have worked to improve access to community
life, expand educational opportunities, strengthen
training and employment services, and promote the
development of technology for people with disabilities.
We are building on the progress of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and working to make America a place
where all citizens have the opportunity to realize
their full potential.

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, 2006, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public
officials, business leaders, educators, librarians, and
all the people of the United States to join as we work
to ensure that the benefits and privileges of life in
our great Nation are available to Americans who are
blind or visually impaired, and to observe this day
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

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