<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META name=GENERATOR content="MSHTML 8.00.6001.23588">
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><A name=OLE_LINK64></A><A
name=OLE_LINK63><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">OCTOBER-Blind Awareness
Month-October 15<SUP>th</SUP>-White Cane Safety Day</SPAN></A></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
Everyday, we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations
create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
<SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">You
can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
the white cane is a simple, yet effective tool of independence that contributes
to the self-sufficiency of the blind and visually impaired by allowing us to
navigate through our environment safely and avoiding physical
barriers.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
the white cane is a symbol of dignity and determination as well as a tangible
reminder that we are able to go, to move, to be, and to compete with all others
in society and to lead full, independent, and productive lives. WHEREAS, the
2014 observance of “Blind Awareness Month Is Observed In October” which provides
an opportunity for people across the nation to renew our dedication to
eliminating barriers for the blind and visually impaired. NOW, THEREFORE, it is
hereby proclaim October 15, 2014 as WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY throughout the nation
and encourage all persons to show respect for those who carry the white cane, to
honor their many achievements, and to reaffirm our commitment to improving
access to basic services for blind and visually impaired
persons.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
here are some awareness reminders from blind and visually impaired members of
the Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
those who refrain from shouting when talking to me.<BR>WHEREAS, those who talk
directly to me and not the other person there and act as if I am
invisible.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
those who will reach over me when passing out programs and literature in a
meeting, etc. </SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
Those who will gladly get my attention and hand me an envelope to participate in
the offering.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
those who will identify themselves when speaking to me and not asked, “Guess
who”? <BR>WHEREAS, those who are having a conversation and walk away and leave
me still talking to the air. <BR>WHEREAS, those who wait for me to extend my
hand before shaking it.<BR>WHEREAS, those who gently place my hand on a object
such as the back of a chair when telling me where it is, so I can seat myself
without so much attention.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
those who try and quietly walk by me and not say a word.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
Those who do not discredit me by referring to my blindness negatively in word or
action.<BR>WHEREAS, Those who do not distract my guide dog from being my active
eyes. </SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">WHEREAS,
those who laugh with me when I tell a joke related to
blindness.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED, those who make an
assumption, when I am going down the steps and folks on both sides of me feel it
is necessary to take away my white cane and lift up my arms, which I no longer
have a concept of the depths of the steps or when I am on the last
one.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">THEREFORE IT BE FARTHER RESOLVED, I AM a human
being who happens to be blind.<BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR
style="mso-special-character: line-break"></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">Parts of
this proclamation was written by the blind and visually impaired members of the
Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.</SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK63"><SPAN style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK64">Debra
Canty, Pres.</SPAN></SPAN></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>