[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 42 (Monday, October 22, 2001)]
[Page 1483]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7486--White Cane Safety Day, 2001

October 15, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    National White Cane Safety Day, observed annually on October 15, is 
a day of special significance for blind and visually impaired Americans 
because it represents a declaration of freedom. It also signifies a 
commitment by the sighted community to improve access to basic services 
for blind and visually impaired persons.
    The familiar ``white cane'' is recognized as a tool of independence 
that enables the blind and visually impaired to participate in the 
facets of daily life. The core principles of our country promise 
freedom, justice, and hope; and these principles should guarantee the 
opportunity for every disabled American to live full and productive 
lives. The new millennium brings with it a renewed pledge to ensure that 
no citizen is prevented from realizing the American dream because of a 
disability.
    Eleven years ago, when the Americans with Disabilities Act was 
enacted into law, America opened its doors to a new age of access for 
people with disabilities. To build on this landmark civil rights law, I 
have launched the ``New Freedom Initiative,'' which is intended to 
ensure that all Americans with disabilities can participate more fully 
in the life of their communities and of our country. As part of this 
initiative, my Administration has asked the Congress to increase 
significantly Federal funding for State low-interest loan programs, so 
Americans with disabilities can purchase new assistive technologies. To 
help researchers continue to develop these types of helpful 
technologies, we have asked the Congress to increase Federal investment 
in assistive technology research and development. All Americans must 
work together to break down barriers and obstacles that may impede the 
progress of individuals with disabilities; and we must provide them with 
ever greater access to the workplace and public transportation.
    The Congress, by joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964, has 
designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon 
every American to observe this day by joining with me in working to open 
the doors of opportunity further and making the American dream a reality 
for all blind and visually impaired citizens of our Nation.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2001, as White Cane Safety Day. 
I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, 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 fifteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 16, 
2001]

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