Federal Register: October 20, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 201)
DOCID: fr20oc09-110 FR Doc E9-25409
Presidential Documents
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
NOTICE: Part III
DOCID: fr20oc09-110
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
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Title 3--
The President
[[Page 53877]]
Proclamation 8439 of October 15, 2009
White Cane Safety Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
All Americans deserve the freedom to participate in
every aspect of our society and pursue their full
measure of happiness. For blind Americans, the white
cane is a potent symbol of that freedom--affording them
greater independence and mobility. Today we renew our
commitment to provide full inclusion and equal
opportunities for those among us who are blind or have
low vision. As Americans, we must nurture a society
that values the unique abilities and individual contributions of all its people.
Individuals who are blind or have low vision are less
constrained and better integrated in our country than
ever before, but much work remains to ensure they have
the opportunity to reach their full potential. My
Administration is committed to securing full and equal
access to education and employment for blind Americans
and all those with disabilities. The American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding
for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as
well as vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement.
For Americans who are blind or have low vision, a white
cane is just one of a wide range of tools that sustain
independence and productivity. In recent years,
refreshable Braille displays and speech synthesis
devices have given these individuals access to the
Internet, unlocking a new frontier of limitless
possibility. As we encourage the development of new
assistive technologies, we must also improve access to
existing tools. The Braille code has opened a doorway
to literacy for countless individuals, but far too many
blind children in our country are not learning to read
it. By improving Braille literacy, we will secure a brighter future for these young Americans.
In the 45 years since White Cane Safety Day was first
proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson, Americans who
are blind or have low vision have achieved substantial
progress. As leaders in government and business,
academics, and the arts, they have made remarkable
contributions to our Nation, proving that sight is no
requisite for success. We will continue to strive for a
more just and equitable Nation that celebrates
diversity in all its forms and promotes the full
inclusion of all individuals in our communities.
By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public
Law 88-628, as amended), the Congress designated
October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day to
recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
15, 2009, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon all
Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
[[Page 53878]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. E9-25409
Filed 10-19-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P