[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7949--OCT. 14, 2005
Proclamation 7949 of October 14, 2005
White Cane Safety Day, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Americans who are blind or visually impaired are valuable and
contributing members of our society, and many use a white cane to help
them succeed at school, home, or work. White canes give these
individuals greater mobility and enable them to participate in more
aspects of community life. On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the
progress that has been made for those who are blind or visually
impaired, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that these citizens
can live and work with greater freedom and independence.
One of our Nation's defining values is compassion, and we must make
certain that all our citizens are able to harness their talents, engage
in productive work, and participate fully in society. My Administration
is working to fulfill this goal for individuals with disabilities
through the New Freedom Initiative. This comprehensive program helps
increase the development and use of assistive and universally designed
technologies, expand educational and employment opportunities, and
improve access into daily community life. By working to reduce barriers
and change old ways of thinking, we can help ensure that our Nation's
opportunities are more accessible to all.

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119 STAT. 3821

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, 2005, as White Cane Safety Day.
I call upon public officials, business leaders, educators, librarians,
and all the people of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH