[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 1 (Monday, January 11, 1993)]
[Pages 14-15]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6522--Braille Literacy Week, 1993

 January 5, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Standardized for use in the United States in 1932, braille is the 
primary tactile system for reading and writing used by blind individuals 
today. The braille system uses raised dots to represent the letters of 
the alphabet, symbols of punctuation, mathematic and scientific 
characters, music and computer notation, and foreign language signs.
    Through braille, a person who is visually impaired is given the key 
to unlock the power of the written word. Braille enables blind 
individuals to achieve the many rewards of literacy, including 
educational advancement, personal independence, and economic opportunity 
and security. Braille also enables its users to enjoy the full form, 
structure, and beauty of printed poetry and prose.
    Over the past 60 years, the braille system has continued to open 
doors of learning and opportunity for blind Americans. This week we 
acknowledge the importance of braille and recognize the many dedicated 
individuals who teach and promote this system as a tool of achievement.
    The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 353, has designated the week 
of January 3 through January 9, 1993, as ``Braille Literacy

[[Page 15]]

Week'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue a 
proclamation in observance of this week.
    Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim the week of January 3 through January 9, 
1993, as Braille Literacy Week and invite all Americans to observe this 
week with appropriate programs and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of 
January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
seventeenth.
                                                   George Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:28 p.m., January 6, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on January 
8.