106 STAT. 5412 PROCLAMATION 6482—OCT. 1, 1992 means taking responsibility as careful, courteous drivers and pedestrians. Americans who use the white cane deserve not only the respect and courtesy of others but also the right to equal opportunity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that I signed 2 years ago affirmed the rights of persons with disabilities and strengthened our Nation's commitment to eliminating the physical and attitudinal barriers that, in the past, prevented these individuals from participating fully in the mainstream of American life. Today the United States is providing a model for the world as we work toward full and harmonious implementation of the ADA. In order to ensure that every American is prepared for the opportunities that life offers, we are also working through the AMERICA 2000 program to promote lifelong learning and achievement. The many Americans who have obtained training in use of the white cane have demonstrated their appreciation of the value of learning far beyond the traditional classroom, and their efforts should challenge and inspire others. Recognizing the importance of the white cane to Americans with visual impairments, the Congress, in 1964, by Public Law 88-628, designated October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day" and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 1992, as White Cane Safety Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities in recognition of the interests and achievements of persons who use the white cane. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6482 of October 1, 1992 Mental Illness Awareness Week, 1992 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Advances in biomedical research and the behavioral sciences have dramatically improved our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental illness—a public health problem that continues to call for greater public awareness and understanding. Once clouded by mystery and shame, mental illness actually refers to a range of diseases, such as schizophrenia and depression, that may af- fect individuals of any age, race, or walk of life. In fact, it is estimated that as many as one-fourth of all Americans will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their lives. The price to our Nation in terms of lost productivity, health care expenses, and other costs may total as
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