[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 201 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 59853-59854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26459]



[[Page 59851]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 7722--White Cane Safety Day, 2003
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 201 / Friday, October 17, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 59853]]

                Proclamation 7722 of October 15, 2003

                
White Cane Safety Day, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every day, millions of Americans who are blind or 
                visually impaired use the white cane as they travel, 
                attend school, or work. The white cane remains one of 
                the most important and reliable tools for people who 
                are blind or visually impaired. It increases the 
                mobility of these citizens, facilitating their 
                inclusion in all aspects of American life. Since 1964 
                on White Cane Safety Day, America has reaffirmed our 
                commitment to achieving equal opportunity and full 
                independence for those who are blind or visually 
                impaired.

                Today, more people with disabilities are attending 
                school and working than ever before. However, much work 
                remains to fully open the doors of opportunity for 
                citizens who are blind or visually impaired. To meet 
                these challenges, I have created the New Freedom 
                Initiative, a comprehensive plan to assist Americans 
                with disabilities by increasing access to educational 
                and employment opportunities. This initiative is 
                lowering barriers more so that Americans can 
                participate fully in their communities, and live and 
                work in dignity and freedom.

                My Administration also continues to promote 
                implementation of section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act 
                of 1973. This important statute requires the Federal 
                Government to make more of its electronic and 
                information technology resources, including Government 
                websites, accessible to people with disabilities.

                As we recognize the contributions of people who are 
                blind or visually impaired, we resolve to continue 
                building a better America where all individuals are 
                celebrated for their abilities and encouraged to 
                achieve their dreams.

                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, 2003, 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.

[[Page 59854]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-26459
Filed 10-16-03; 8:54 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P