Proclamation
Know Ye:
WHEREAS, according to the American Foundation for the Blind,
437,393 of Florida's citizens have vision problems, ranging from serious difficulty seeing to being legally blind; and
WHEREAS, persons with disabilities are a part of the community and
have the right to safe and functional use of the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, other public places, places of public accommodation, places of amusement and other places to which the public is invited; and
WHEREAS, the white cane gives persons who are blind and visually
impaired the freedom to travel independently and to participate in the life of their communities; and the white cane serves as a tangible reminder that persons who are blind and visually impaired are independent, self-reliant, mobile and capable; and
WHEREAS, the White Cane Law, FS316.1301, gives persons who are blind or visually impaired the same right as all citizens to the full and free use of the streets, highways, sidewalks and other public places; and
WHEREAS, by joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88-628, as amended), U.S. 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; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eustis and New Vision for Independence will
jointly sponsor a “Close Your Eyes” White Cane Safety Day event on October 15th at Eustis City Hall for residents and visitors to acquire first-hand knowledge of the abilities of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Therefore: I, Linda Durham Bob, Mayor of the City of Eustis, Florida, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 15, 2014, as
White Cane Safety Day in the City of Eustis, Florida. I further encourage the citizens of this great City to be aware of the White Cane Law and their responsibility in upholding it; to be aware that persons with disabilities have much to offer and their energy, creativity and hard work can greatly strengthen our City and our economy; and to recognize that the white cane is an instrument of safety and independence for persons who are blind and visually impaired.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Eustis to be affixed, this 26th day of September 2014.
MAYOR/COMMISSIONER
