[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 41 (Monday, October 16, 1995)]
[Pages 1826-1827]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6840--White Cane Safety Day, 1995

October 13, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As Americans, we take pride in the diversity that allows us to 
appreciate the world from many standpoints, and we draw our vitality 
from the contributions made by people of all experiences, talents, and 
backgrounds. Long dedicated to the goal of independence, America's blind 
and visually impaired citizens have enriched our history, inspiring 
others to join their efforts to further integration and inclusion.
    The majority of blind and visually impaired people use the white 
cane to facilitate their travel. This remarkably simple instrument 
provides tactile, kinesthetic, and auditory signals to its users, 
allowing them to detect obstacles, steps up and down, and changes in 
surface texture. Enhancing motivation and confidence, the white cane has 
empowered countless blind and visually impaired individuals to gain 
freedom of movement and to flourish in society. For those of us who are 
not blind or visually impaired, it signals us to exercise extra caution 
and to be courteous drivers and pedestrians.
    As our Nation observes this special day, the white cane is a symbol 
of strength and a reminder of the tremendous potential available within 
each person. We must continue to work for full implementation of the 
Americans With Disabilities Act, which protects people with disabilities 
from discrimination in the workplace, mandates access to public and 
private services and accommodations, and promotes equal opportunity. The 
American Dream is an inspiration to us all--let us work to ensure that 
every person can realize its promise.
    To honor the numerous achievements of blind and visually impaired 
citizens and to recognize the significance of the white cane in 
advancing independence, the Congress, by joint resolution approved 
October 6, 1964, has designated October 15 of each year as ``White Cane 
Safety Day.''

[[Page 1827]]

    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 1995, as White Cane 
Safety Day. I call upon government officials, educators, 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 thirteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., October 16, 
1995]

  

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 17.