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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi Folks,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please find attached the 2026 Proclamation from the Maryland State Governor for White Cane Awareness Day. The text is also pasted below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY<br>OCTOBER 15, 2026</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>WHEREAS, The white cane, which every blind citizen of our country has the right to carry, demonstrates and symbolizes the ability to achieve a full and independent life and the capacity to work productively in competitive employment; and</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>WHEREAS, The white cane, by allowing every blind person to move freely and safely from place to place, makes it possible for the blind to fully participate in and contribute to our society and to live the lives they want; and</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>WHEREAS, Every citizen should be aware that the law requires motorists and cyclists to exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind person carrying a white cane; and</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>WHEREAS, Maryland law also calls upon employers, both public and private, to be aware of and utilize the employment skills of our blind residents by recognizing their worth as individuals and their productive capacities; and</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>WHEREAS, The State of Maryland, through its public agencies and with the cooperative assistance of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, can and should facilitate the expansion of employment opportunities for and greater acceptance of blind persons in the competitive labor market based on the understanding that our state is stronger when everyone participates.</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim OCTOBER 15, 2026, as WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY in Maryland, and do commend this observation to all of our citizens.</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ronza Othman, </b>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Need to meet with me? <a href="https://calendly.com/president-nfbmd/30min"><span style='color:blue'>Please use this link to schedule through Calendly</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>