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<font face="Garamond"><br>
</font><font face="Times New Roman, Times">Dear Fellow
Federationists:<br>
<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><br>
Sincerely:<br><br>
<br><br>
Chris Danielsen etc.<br>
</font> <br><br>
<div align="center"><font face="Garamond"> <br><br>
White Cane Safety Day, 2009<br><br>
<br><br>
<i>By the President of the United States of America<br><br>
</i> <br><br>
<b>A Proclamation<br><br>
</b></div>
<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><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><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><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><br>
</font><font face="Times New Roman, Times">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>
</font><font face="Garamond">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><br>
</font><font face="Times New Roman, Times">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>
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