124 STAT. 4721 PROCLAMATION 8588—OCT. 15, 2010 To recognize the importance of products from our forests, the Congress, by Public Law 86–753 (36 U.S.C. 123), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as Na- tional Forest Products Week, and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 17 through October 23, 2010, as National Forest Products Week. I call on all Americans to cel- ebrate the varied uses and products of our forested lands, as well as the people who carry on the tradition of careful stewardship of these precious natural resources for generations to come. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8588 of October 15, 2010 White Cane Safety Day, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The white cane, in addition to being a practical mobility tool, serves as a symbol of dignity, freedom, and independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. On White Cane Safety Day, our Nation celebrates the immeasurable contributions the Americans who use canes have made as valued members of our diverse country. We also examine our progress and recommit to full integration, equality, edu- cation, and opportunity for Americans with visual impairments. Today, students with disabilities are reaching achievements considered unattainable just a few decades ago. Many gains have been realized throughout our educational system, but we must accomplish more so that America’s technological advances and assistive tools are available for the benefit of all students. My Administration is committed to en- suring that electronic readers and other electronic equipment used by schools, including postsecondary institutions, are accessible to individ- uals who are blind or visually impaired. We are also providing guid- ance and technical assistance to help colleges and universities fully comply with the legal requirements to use emerging technology that is accessible to all students in the classroom. Blindness and visual im- pairments are not impediments to obtaining knowledge, and we must highlight the availability of existing tools to facilitate communication and work to improve access to them. Additionally, the Braille code opens doors of literacy and learning to countless individuals with vis- ual impairments across our country and around the world, and we must work with advocates and leaders throughout our society to pro- mote and improve Braille literacy among our students. Americans with disabilities are Americans first and foremost, entitled to both full participation in our society and full opportunity in our
