[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 17, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52847-52848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-26341]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 17, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 52847]]


                Proclamation 7486 of October 15, 2001

                
White Cane Safety Day, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                National White Cane Safety Day, observed annually on 
                October 15, is a day of special significance for blind 
                and visually impaired Americans because it represents a 
                declaration of freedom. It also signifies a commitment 
                by the sighted community to improve access to basic 
                services for blind and visually impaired persons.

                The familiar ``white cane'' is recognized as a tool of 
                independence that enables the blind and visually 
                impaired to participate in the facets of daily life. 
                The core principles of our country promise freedom, 
                justice, and hope; and these principles should 
                guarantee the opportunity for every disabled American 
                to live full and productive lives. The new millennium 
                brings with it a renewed pledge to ensure that no 
                citizen is prevented from realizing the American dream 
                because of a disability.

                Eleven years ago, when the Americans with Disabilities 
                Act was enacted into law, America opened its doors to a 
                new age of access for people with disabilities. To 
                build on this landmark civil rights law, I have 
                launched the ``New Freedom Initiative,'' which is 
                intended to ensure that all Americans with disabilities 
                can participate more fully in the life of their 
                communities and of our country. As part of this 
                initiative, my Administration has asked the Congress to 
                increase significantly Federal funding for State low-
                interest loan programs, so Americans with disabilities 
                can purchase new assistive technologies. To help 
                researchers continue to develop these types of helpful 
                technologies, we have asked the Congress to increase 
                Federal investment in assistive technology research and 
                development. All Americans must work together to break 
                down barriers and obstacles that may impede the 
                progress of individuals with disabilities; and we must 
                provide them with ever greater access to the workplace 
                and public transportation.

                The Congress, by joint resolution approved on October 
                6, 1964, has designated October 15 of each year as 
                White Cane Safety Day. I call upon every American to 
                observe this day by joining with me in working to open 
                the doors of opportunity further and making the 
                American dream a reality for all blind and visually 
                impaired citizens of our Nation.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                15, 2001, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public 
                officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of 
                the United States to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs.

[[Page 52848]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-26341
Filed 10-16-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P