[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 43 (Monday, October 25, 2004)]
[Pages 2423-2424]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7833--White Cane Safety Day, 2004

 October 15, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    To help increase their mobility and assist them in their daily 
lives, many people who are blind or visually impaired use a white cane. 
On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the symbolism of this important 
tool and the enduring spirit of independence and determination shown by 
Americans who use it.
    In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first Presidential 
proclamation for White Cane Safety Day. He wrote that the observance 
would ``make our people more fully aware of the meaning of the white 
cane'' and help increase the safety and self-reliance of our citizens 
who are blind or visually impaired. Over the last four decades, our 
Nation has removed many barriers for these individuals, making it easier 
for them to find jobs, access public buildings, and live independently 
in their communities.
    Today, we are working to ensure that all Americans with disabilities 
have the opportunity to live with dignity, work productively, and 
realize their full potential. Through the New Freedom Initiative, my 
Administration continues to build on the progress of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to further promote the full participation 
of people with disabilities in all areas of society. The Department of 
Justice's ADA Business Connection is helping create a better 
understanding of ADA requirements and promote dialogue between the 
business community and the disability community. And the Department of 
Justice's Project Civic Access is improving public facilities to ensure 
that people with disabilities are integrated into community life. 
Through the Ticket to Work program and the Work Incentives Improvement 
Act, we are making significant strides toward building an America where 
all individuals are recognized for their talents and creativity. These 
efforts will help provide Americans who are blind or visually impaired 
the opportunity to pursue their dreams and realize the promise of our 
great country.
    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, 2004, as White Cane Safety Day. 
I call upon public officials, business leaders, 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 Nation are available to 
individuals who are blind and visually impaired, and 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 four, and of

[[Page 2424]]

the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 19, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 16, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 20.