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face=arial><BR><BR><BR><BR>-----Original Message-----<BR>From: Danielsen,
Chris <CDanielsen@nfb.org><BR>To: david.andrews@nfbnet.org<BR>Sent: Thu,
Oct 15, 2009 10:43 pm<BR>Subject: [Nfbf-l] Presidential Proclamation for White
Cane Safety Day<BR><BR>
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id=AOLMsgPart_0_763d380b-5031-4f39-aea2-e7b3426efdca>Dear Fellow
Federationists: <BR> <BR>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! <BR> <BR> <BR>Sincerely: <BR> <BR> <BR>Chris
Danielsen etc. <BR> <BR> <BR>White Cane Safety Day,
2009 <BR> <BR> <BR>By the President of the United States of
America <BR> <BR> <BR>A
Proclamation <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR> <BR>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. <BR> <BR>_______________________________________________ <BR>Nfbf-l
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