[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 42 (Monday, October 24, 2005)]
[Page 1547]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7949--White Cane Safety Day, 2005

 October 14, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans who are blind or visually impaired are valuable and 
contributing members of our society, and many use a white cane to help 
them succeed at school, home, or work. White canes give these 
individuals greater mobility and enable them to participate in more 
aspects of community life. On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the 
progress that has been made for those who are blind or visually 
impaired, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that these citizens 
can live and work with greater freedom and independence.
    One of our Nation's defining values is compassion, and we must make 
certain that all our citizens are able to harness their talents, engage 
in productive work, and participate fully in society. My Administration 
is working to fulfill this goal for individuals with disabilities 
through the New Freedom Initiative. This comprehensive program helps 
increase the development and use of assistive and universally designed 
technologies, expand educational and employment opportunities, and 
improve access into daily community life. By working to reduce barriers 
and change old ways of thinking, we can help ensure that our Nation's 
opportunities are more accessible to all.
    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, 2005, as White Cane Safety Day. 
I call upon public officials, business leaders, 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 fourteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 18, 
2005]

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