[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 42 (Monday, October 23, 2000)]
[Pages 2481-2482]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7367--White Cane Safety Day, 2000

October 14, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Last month at the Olympic Games in Sydney, American runner Marla 
Runyan made history in the women's 1500-meter race. She was not 
considered a favorite in the event and won no medals, placing ninth in 
the final competition. But as the first legally blind athlete ever to 
qualify for and compete in an Olympic event, Marla set an extraordinary 
precedent and proved to millions of people across the globe that 
disability need not be a limitation on achievement or a barrier to 
success.
    Marla Runyan's accomplishment reflects the spirit of two historic 
pieces of legislation whose milestone anniversaries we celebrate this 
year. Ten years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into 
law to guarantee access to public accommodations and services and to 
outlaw workplace discrimination for people with disabilities. Twenty-
five years ago, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became 
law, ensuring that people with disabilities have access to a free and 
appropriate public education. Both of these laws have made a significant 
impact on the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities by 
allowing them to pursue their dreams and make their own contributions to 
our society.
    But even before passage of these landmark laws, the white cane was 
helping to open doors of opportunity for many blind and visually 
impaired Americans. With proper training, people using the white cane 
can enjoy greater mobility and safety by determining the location of 
curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical obstacles in their 
path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently 
to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the 
life of their communities.
    The white cane is a simple tool, but, like Marla Runyan's 
accomplishments, it reminds us that the only barriers against people 
with disabilities are discriminatory attitudes and practices that our 
society has too often placed in their way. As we observe White Cane 
Safety Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a society where 
we embrace the talents, energy, and contributions of every individual.
    To honor the many achievements of blind and visually impaired 
citizens and to recognize the white cane's significance 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, 2000, 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 fourteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of

[[Page 2482]]

the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-fifth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 18, 
2000]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
19.