[blindkid] Presidential Proclamation for White Cane Safety Day
Carol Castellano
carol_castellano at verizon.net
Sat Oct 17 01:22:01 UTC 2009
Wow, that's really GREAT!!!
Carol
At 10:43 PM 10/15/2009, you wrote:
>Dear Fellow Federationists:
>
>
>Below is the text of this years White Cane
>Safety Day proclamation issued by President
>Obama. As you will read, the proclamation
>highlights the importance of Braille
>literacy. It is clear that our advocacy on this
>issue is having an impact on policy makers at
>the highest levels of our government. We
>continue to accomplish great things for blind
>Americans. Happy White Cane Safety Day!
>
>
>
>Sincerely:
>
>
>
>Chris Danielsen etc.
>
>
>
>
>White Cane Safety Day, 2009
>
>
>
>By the President of the United States of America
>
>
>
>A Proclamation
>
>
>
>
>
>All Americans deserve the freedom to participate
>in every aspect of our society and pursue their
>full measure of happiness. For blind Americans,
>the white cane is a potent symbol of that
>freedomaffording them greater independence and
>mobility. Today, we renew our commitment to
>provide full inclusion and equal opportunities
>for those among us who are blind or have low
>vision. As Americans, we must nurture a society
>that values the unique abilities and individual
>contributions of all its people.
>
>
>
>Individuals who are blind or have low vision are
>less constrained and better integrated in our
>country than ever before, but much work remains
>to ensure they have the opportunity to reach
>their full potential. My Administration is
>committed to securing full and equal access to
>education and employment for blind Americans and
>all those with disabilities. The American
>Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially
>increased funding for the Individuals with
>Disabilities Education Act, as well as
>vocational rehabilitation services, including
>job training, education, and placement.
>
>
>
>For Americans who are blind or have low vision,
>a white cane is just one of a wide range of
>tools that sustain independence and
>productivity. In recent years, refreshable
>Braille displays and speech synthesis devices
>have given these individuals access to the
>Internet, unlocking a new frontier of limitless
>possibility. As we encourage the development of
>new assistive technologies, we must also improve
>access to existing tools. The Braille code has
>opened a doorway to literacy for countless
>individuals, but far too many blind children in
>our country are not learning to read it. By
>improving Braille literacy, we will secure a
>brighter future for these young Americans.
>
>
>
>In the 45 years since White Cane Safety Day was
>first proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson,
>Americans who are blind or have low vision have
>achieved substantial progress. As leaders in
>government and business, academics, and the
>arts, they have made remarkable contributions to
>our Nation, proving that sight is no requisite
>for success. We will continue to strive for a
>more just and equitable Nation that celebrates
>diversity in all its forms and promotes the full
>inclusion of all individuals in our communities.
>
>
>
>By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964,
>(Public Law 88-628, as amended), the Congress
>designated October 15 of each year as White Cane
>Safety Day to recognize the contributions of
>Americans who are blind or have low vision.
>
>NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of
>the United States of America, by virtue of the
>authority vested in me by the Constitution and
>laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim
>October 15, 2009, as White Cane Safety Day. I
>call upon all Americans 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 nine, and of the
>Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
>
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