[NFBMO] Perhaps posting late, but hurray for us

[Gary Wunder]

Monday was "White Cane Awareness Day," Gov. Mike Parson proclaimed.

 

The National Federation of the Blind announced the proclamation and shared
its wording.

 

The proclamation noted every blind citizen has the right to carry a white
cane which "symbolizes the ability to achieve a full and independent life
and

the capacity to work productively in competitive employment."

 

The cane also allows "every blind person to move freely and safely from
place to place," the proclamation said, and "makes it possible for the blind
to

fully participate in and contribute to our society and to live the lives
they want."

 

For the last 10 years, the National Federation of the Blind has operated a
"free white cane program" that makes the canes available to blind and
visually

impaired individuals.

 

Parson's proclamation also reminded Missourians state law "requires that
motorists and cyclists exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind
person

carrying a white cane," and the law "also calls upon employers, both public
and private, to be aware of and utilize the employment skills of our blind

citizens, by recognizing their worth as individuals and their productive
capacities."

 

The governor said the state "can and should facilitate the expansion of
employment opportunities for, and greater acceptance of, blind persons in
the competitive

labor market," and that Missouri's "schools, colleges and universities
(should) offer full opportunities for training to blind persons."

 

Parson also called on "employers and the public to utilize the available
skills of competent blind persons, and to open new opportunities for the
blind

 

 

Gary Wunder 

gwunder at earthlink.net