[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 42 (Monday, October 21, 2002)]
[Pages 1752-1753]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7610--White Cane Safety Day, 2002

October 11, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The white cane is a powerful symbol of independence and opportunity 
for visually impaired persons. It is also an essential tool for 
increasing mobility and productivity for those who are blind as well as 
those who suffer from severe visual impairment. On White Cane Safety 
Day, our Nation renews its dedication to eliminating barriers for every 
disabled American, especially the blind and visually impaired.
    My Administration seeks to ensure that all Americans enjoy full 
access to employment, education, and all the blessings of freedom.

[[Page 1753]]

Through my ``New Freedom Initiative,'' we are working to provide people 
with disabilities more employment opportunities and increased access to 
new technologies for independent living. My 2003 budget for this 
initiative proposes $145 million for alternative transportation and 
innovative transportation grants that will improve accessibility to 
vital aspects of society including schools, jobs, and places of worship. 
By implementing these and other important reforms, we can make great 
progress towards an America where individuals are celebrated for their 
talents and abilities, not judged by their limitations and disabilities.
    The Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-628) approved on 
October 6, 1964, as amended, has designated October 15 of each year as 
``White Cane Safety Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2002, as White Cane Safety Day. 
I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people 
of the United States to join with me in ensuring that all the benefits 
and privileges of life in our great Nation are available to blind and 
visually impaired individuals, and to observe this day with appropriate 
ceremonies, activities, and programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 16, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
17. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.