[Cabs-talk] Presidential Proclamation for White Cane Safety Day

[Justin Harford]

Is this available on the whitehouse.gov website?

I was just there and couldn't find it with a cursory investigation.

Justin Harford
On Oct 15, 2009, at 7:43 PM, Danielsen, Chris (by way of David Andrews  
<dandrews at visi.com>) 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 freedom  
> affording 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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