[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 202 (Wednesday, October 20, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 61729-61730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-23622]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 20, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 61729]]


                Proclamation 7833 of October 15, 2004

                
White Cane Safety Day, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                To help increase their mobility and assist them in 
                their daily lives, many people who are blind or 
                visually impaired use a white cane. On White Cane 
                Safety Day, we celebrate the symbolism of this 
                important tool and the enduring spirit of independence 
                and determination shown by Americans who use it.

                In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first 
                Presidential proclamation for White Cane Safety Day. He 
                wrote that the observance would ``make our people more 
                fully aware of the meaning of the white cane'' and help 
                increase the safety and self-reliance of our citizens 
                who are blind or visually impaired. Over the last four 
                decades, our Nation has removed many barriers for these 
                individuals, making it easier for them to find jobs, 
                access public buildings, and live independently in 
                their communities.

                Today, we are working to ensure that all Americans with 
                disabilities have the opportunity to live with dignity, 
                work productively, and realize their full potential. 
                Through the New Freedom Initiative, my Administration 
                continues to build on the progress of the Americans 
                with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to further promote 
                the full participation of people with disabilities in 
                all areas of society. The Department of Justice's ADA 
                Business Connection is helping create a better 
                understanding of ADA requirements and promote dialogue 
                between the business community and the disability 
                community. And the Department of Justice's Project 
                Civic Access is improving public facilities to ensure 
                that people with disabilities are integrated into 
                community life. Through the Ticket to Work program and 
                the Work Incentives Improvement Act, we are making 
                significant strides toward building an America where 
                all individuals are recognized for their talents and 
                creativity. These efforts will help provide Americans 
                who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to 
                pursue their dreams and realize the promise of our 
                great country.

                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, 2004, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public 
                officials, business leaders, 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 Nation are available to individuals who are 
                blind and visually impaired, and to observe this day 
                with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

[[Page 61730]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-23622
Filed 10-19-04; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P