123STA T . 3 7 22 PROCL A M AT I O N84 3 9— OCT. 1 5, 2 0 09 INW I T N ES SW H E R E OF, I have he r e untos et my han d th i s ninth day o f O c to b er, in the year of our L ord t w o thousand nine, and of the Inde -p endence of the U nited States of A merica the two hundred and thirty- fourth .B ARA CK OBA M A Proclam a ti o n8439 o fO cto be r 15,20 09 WhiteCan e S a f et yD ay ,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation A l l Americans deserve the freedom to participate in every aspect of our society and pursue their full measure of happiness. For blind Ameri- cans, the white cane is a potent symbol of that freedom — affordin g them greater independence and mobility. Today we renew our commit- ment to provide full inclusion and e q ual 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 wor k re- mains 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 dis- abilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with D isabilities Education Act, as well as vocational rehabilitation services, including j ob 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 produc- tivity. 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 develop- ment of new assistive technologies, we must also improve access to e x - isting 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 P resident Lyndon J ohnson, Americans who are blind or have low vi- sion have achieved substantial progress. As leaders in government and business, academics, and the arts, they have made remarkable con- tributions 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 , 19 64 ( Public Law 8 8 – 6 2 8, as amended ) , the Congress designated October 15 of each year as White
