[Fopbc] Fwd: proclamation--White Cane Safety Day

[Lenora Marten]

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release                          
October 15, 2010
White Cane Safety Day, 2010
- - - - - - -
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
     The white cane, in addition to being a practical mobility tool, serves as a 
ymbol of dignity, freedom, and independence for individuals who are blind or 
isually impaired.  On White Cane Safety Day, our Nation celebrates the 
mmeasurable contributions the Americans who use canes have made as valued 
embers of our diverse country.  We also examine our progress and recommit to 
ull integration, equality, education, and opportunity for Americans with visual 
mpairments.
     Today, students with disabilities are reaching achievements considered 
nattainable just a few decades ago.  Many gains have been realized throughout 
ur educational system, but we must accomplish more so that America's 
echnological advances and assistive tools are available for the benefit of all 
tudents.  My Administration is committed to ensuring that electronic readers 
nd other electronic equipment used by schools, including postsecondary 
nstitutions, are accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  
e are also providing guidance and technical assistance to help colleges and 
niversities fully comply with the legal requirements to use emerging technology 
hat is accessible to all students in the classroom.  Blindness and visual 
mpairments are not impediments to obtaining knowledge, and we must highlight 
he availability of existing tools to facilitate communication and work to 
mprove access to them.  Additionally, the Braille code opens doors of literacy 
nd learning to countless individuals with visual impairments across our country 
nd around the world, and we must work with advocates and leaders throughout our 
ociety to promote and improve Braille literacy among our students.
     Americans with disabilities are Americans first and foremost, entitled to 
oth full participation in our society and full opportunity in our economy.  My 
dministration is working to increase information access so Americans who are 
lind or visually impaired can fully participate in our increasingly 
nterconnected world.  To expand career options for people with disabilities in 
he Federal Government, I signed an Executive Order directing executive 
epartments and agencies to design strategies to increase recruitment and hiring 
f these valued public servants.  I was also pleased to sign the Twenty-First 
entury Communications and Video Accessibility Act into law earlier this month 
o ensure that the jobs of the future are accessible to all.  This legislation 
ill make it easier for people who are deaf, blind, or live with a visual 
mpairment to use the technology our 21st-century economy depends on, from 
avigating digital menus on a television to sending emails on a smart phone.
     As we observe the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act 
his year, my Administration reaffirms our national commitment to creating 
ccess to employment, education, and social, political, and economic 
pportunities for Americans with disabilities.  Together with individuals who 
re blind or visually impaired, service providers, educators, and employers, we 
ill uphold our country as an inclusive, welcoming place for blind or visually 
mpaired people to work, learn, play, and live.
     By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88-628, as 
mended), the Congress designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety 
ay to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low 
ision.
     NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, 
o hereby proclaim October 15, 2010, as White Cane Safety Day.  I call upon all 
ublic officials, business and community leaders, educators, librarians, and 
mericans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
rograms.
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of 
ctober, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of 
he United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                                BARACK OBAMA
                                # # #


The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW · Washington DC 20500 · 
02-456-1111


- 
ri Ne'eman
resident
he Autistic Self Advocacy Network
ttp://www.autisticadvocacy.org
nfo at autisticadvocacy.org
202) 596-1056
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