[Ohio-talk] meet the blind

[richard payne]

Last night I was invited to the city hall and attended the council meeting.
They have always been receptive of nfb bbut you could tell that we are not
strangers there. The mayor  who has attended several of our events including
a state convention and a  banquet we had last year thanked me for coming.
I told them about the importance of the nfb and    how we were there  when
the nfb was organized we were among the first 11 states. I assured them that
from Dayton to Washington and around the world nfb is changing what it means
to be blind. The proclamation follows enjoy. 

PROCLAMATION

>From the Office of the Mayor The City of Dayton, Ohio

WHEREAS, the white cane, which all blind citizens of the City Dayton have
the right to carry, demonstrates and symbolizes their ability to achieve a
full and independent life and their capacity to work productively in
competitive employment; and

WHEREAS, by allowing all blind people to move freely and safely from place
to place, the white cane makes it possible for them to participate fully in
and contribute to our society; and

WHEREAS, Ohio law calls upon employers, both public and private, to be aware
of and use the employment skills of blind citizens by recognizing their
worth as individuals and their productive capacities as employees; and

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind has declared October Meet the
Blind Month and takes this opportunity each year to educate the public about
the abilities of blind citizens; and

WHEREAS, through the public education and outreach efforts of the National
Federation of the Blind of Ohio, citizens of the City of Dayton can look
forward to a continued expansion of employment opportunities for and greater
acceptance of blind people in the competitive labor market;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rhine McLin, Mayor of the City of Dayton, do hereby
proclaim October 15,2009

WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY

in Dayton.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the

th

City of Dayton to be affixed this 15 day of October, Two Thousand and Nine.

Rhine McLin

Mayor of the City of Dayton, Ohio

Thanks Richard