[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 201 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 64031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26630]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 201 / Thursday, October 17, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 64031]]


                Proclamation 7610 of October 11, 2002

                
White Cane Safety Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The white cane is a powerful symbol of independence and 
                opportunity for visually impaired persons. It is also 
                an essential tool for increasing mobility and 
                productivity for those who are blind as well as those 
                who suffer from severe visual impairment. On White Cane 
                Safety Day, our Nation renews its dedication to 
                eliminating barriers for every disabled American, 
                especially the blind and visually impaired.

                My Administration seeks to ensure that all Americans 
                enjoy full access to employment, education, and all the 
                blessings of freedom. Through my ``New Freedom 
                Initiative,'' we are working to provide people with 
                disabilities more employment opportunities and 
                increased access to new technologies for independent 
                living. My 2003 budget for this initiative proposes 
                $145 million for alternative transportation and 
                innovative transportation grants that will improve 
                accessibility to vital aspects of society including 
                schools, jobs, and places of worship. By implementing 
                these and other important reforms, we can make great 
                progress towards an America where individuals are 
                celebrated for their talents and abilities, not judged 
                by their limitations and disabilities.

                The Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-628) 
                approved on October 6, 1964, as amended, has designated 
                October 15 of each year as ``White Cane Safety Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                15, 2002, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public 
                officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of 
                the United States to join with me in ensuring that all 
                the benefits and privileges of life in our great Nation 
                are available to blind and visually impaired 
                individuals, and to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-26630
Filed 10-16-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P