Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 20, 2004 / Presidential Documents 61729 

Proclamation 7833 of October 15, 2004 

White Cane Safety Day, 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. 

61730 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 20, 2004 / Presidential Documents 

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

W 

[FR Doc. 04–23622 

Filed 10–19–04; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–01–P