[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8439--OCT. 15, 2009

Proclamation 8439 of October 15, 2009
White Cane Safety Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

All Americans deserve the freedom to participate in every aspect of our
society and pursue their full measure of happiness. For blind Americans,
the white cane is a potent symbol of that freedom-affording them greater
independence and mobility. Today we renew our commitment to provide full
inclusion and equal opportunities for those among us who are blind or
have low vision. As Americans, we must nurture a society that values the
unique abilities and individual contributions of all its people.
Individuals who are blind or have low vision are less constrained and
better integrated in our country than ever before, but much work remains
to ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. My
Administration is committed to securing full and equal access to
education and employment for blind Americans and all those with
disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially
increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
as well as vocational rehabilitation services, including job training,
education, and placement.
For Americans who are blind or have low vision, a white cane is just one
of a wide range of tools that sustain independence and productivity. In
recent years, refreshable Braille displays and speech synthesis devices
have given these individuals access to the Internet, unlocking a new
frontier of limitless possibility. As we encourage the development of
new assistive technologies, we must also improve access to existing
tools. The Braille code has opened a doorway to literacy for countless
individuals, but far too many blind children in our country are not
learning to read it. By improving Braille literacy, we will secure a
brighter future for these young Americans.
In the 45 years since White Cane Safety Day was first proclaimed by
President Lyndon Johnson, Americans who are blind or have low vision
have achieved substantial progress. As leaders in government and
business, academics, and the arts, they have made remarkable
contributions to our Nation, proving that sight is no requisite for
success. We will continue to strive for a more just and equitable Nation
that celebrates diversity in all its forms and promotes the full
inclusion of all individuals in our communities.
By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88-628, as
amended), the Congress designated October 15 of each year as White

[[Page 3723]]
123 STAT. 3723

Cane Safety Day to recognize the contributions of Americans who are
blind or have low vision.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2009, as White Cane Safety Day.
I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA