[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 year’s 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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