[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 41 (Monday, October 13, 1997)]
[Page 1546]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7037--White Cane Safety Day, 1997

October 10, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As we stand at the dawn of the 21st century, new technologies are 
rapidly changing and improving the lives of Americans. For one group of 
Americans in particular--those who are blind or visually impaired--these 
technologies have opened doors to unparalleled opportunities. Blind 
Americans now can more readily access information of all kinds, and 
these advances have brought important improvements to the education, 
careers, and daily lives of blind and visually impaired people.
    In this time of extraordinary progress, however, the simple yet 
profoundly useful white cane remains an indispensable tool and symbol of 
independence that has afforded countless blind and visually impaired 
citizens the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. And so, as we all 
share in a new era of expanded technological innovations that improve 
the lives of all of our Nation's citizens, we also celebrate the white 
cane for its ability to empower and recognize it as the embodiment of 
freedom.
    As a Nation, let us also reassert our commitment to ensuring equal 
opportunity, equal access, and full participation of citizens with 
disabilities in our community life. This year, we celebrated the 
reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 
reaffirming our belief that all students can learn and must have the 
opportunities and resources necessary to do so. And we must continue to 
enforce vigorously the Americans with Disabilities Act, so that our 
blind and visually impaired fellow citizens enjoy equal opportunity, 
access to public and private services and accommodations, and a 
workplace free of discrimination.
    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.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 1997, as White Cane 
Safety Day. I call upon the people of the United States, government 
officials, educators, and business leaders to observe this day with 
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-second.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 14, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 15.