[Missouri-l] Fw: [Leadership] White Cane Safety Day Presidential proclamation

[Chip Hailey]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eric Bridges" <ebridges at acb.org>
To: <leadership at acb.org>; 
<acb-l-digest-sc.1238423837.kakmkpbbinilnldpohmp-ebridges=acb.org at acb.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 1:23 PM
Subject: [Leadership] White Cane Safety Day Presidential proclamation


>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> BARACK OBAMA
>
> _______________________________________________
> leadership mailing list
> leadership at acb.org
> http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/leadership