Presidential Documents

53877 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 201 

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 

Title 3— 

The President 

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. 


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53878 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 20, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. E9–25409 

Filed 10–19–09; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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