103 STAT. 3130 PROCLAMATION 6047—OCT. 13, 1989 Many advances have been made in fostering the full participation by disabled persons in American society. Our Nation's educational system and training and rehabilitation programs have enabled millions of people with disabilities to become skilled, productive workers. The on- going removal of architectiu'al and other barriers in housing, transpor- tation, and the workplace is permitting more and more disabled people to join the labor force as well as the mainstream of American life. Ad- vances in technology are also enabling persons with disabilities to uti- lize their strengths and talents to the fullest. And many employers— recognizing all that these individuals have to offer—are enthusiastically hiring workers with disabilities. Unfortunately, despite these advances—as well as the major gains we have made in lowering the Nation's unemployment rate—it has been estimated that only one-third of all disabled Americans of working age are ciurently employed. Yet millions of Americans with disabilities are both willing and able to take their rightful places in America's work force. As a Nation that takes justifiable pride in the unparalleled op- portunities we have provided for all our citizens, we must continue working to enhance employment opportvmities for persons with disabil- ities. The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amend- ed (36 U.S.C. 155], has called for the designation of the month of Octo- ber of each year as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." This special month is a time for all Americans to join together in recognizing the unlimited potential of persons with disabilities and in renewing our determination to provide increased employment oppor- txmities for them. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1989 as National Disability Emplosmient Awareness Month. I call upon all public offi- cials, employers, and private citizens of this country to continue to help guarantee equal employment opportunities and the full rights and privi- leges of citizenship for disabled Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hxmdred and eighty- • nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6047 of October 13, 1989 White Cane Safety Day, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The white cane is a device that all should recognize, for it is the staff that gives blind individuals greater freedom of movement as they pursue their daily activities. The white cane helps visually impaired persons avoid physical hazards and barriers, thereby enabling its users to travel more safely in the public envirormient. It is also a tangible re-
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