THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY BROWNLEE, KIRKLAND, STABACK, JAMES, GEORGE, BISHOP, MILLARD, W. KELLER, THOMAS, GEIST, MIRABITO, WATERS, LONGIETTI, PAYTON, NEILSON, FREEMAN, CALTAGIRONE, BAKER, SONNEY, FRANKEL, BROOKS, READSHAW, HESS, PRESTON, SWANGER, PARKER AND M. O'BRIEN, AUGUST 20, 2012

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, AUGUST 20, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Designating the month of October 2012 as "Meet the Blind Month"

in Pennsylvania; and recognizing October 15, 2012, as "White

Cane Safety Day" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) was

founded in 1940 to end discrimination against people who are

blind and to secure first-class citizenship for all blind

persons; and

WHEREAS, Today the NFB represents more than 50,000 members

across this nation and continues to work to secure equal rights

and opportunities for all individuals who are blind and visually

impaired; and

WHEREAS, The NFB and other organizations work to change

attitudes about blindness by providing information to parents,

teachers, school administrators and to business, government,

social and civic leaders; and

WHEREAS, Since blindness is still frequently misunderstood, a

public education campaign, "Meet the Blind Month," was developed

to create opportunities for people to learn firsthand that

individuals who are blind and visually impaired are like

everyone else; and

WHEREAS, The white cane symbolizes the ability of every blind

or visually impaired citizen of this Commonwealth to achieve a

full and independent life; and

WHEREAS, The white cane allows every blind or visually

impaired person to move freely and safely from place to place

and without it such travel would be difficult and dangerous; and

WHEREAS, The white cane serves as a tangible reminder that

those who are blind or visually impaired are self-sufficient,

mobile and capable of participating in the life of their

communities and contributing to the success of our society; and

WHEREAS, In the first white cane proclamation issued in 1964,

President Lyndon B. Johnson commended blind and visually

impaired individuals for their growing spirit of independence

and their increased determination to be self-reliant and

dignified; and

WHEREAS, President Johnson also said that in our society the

white cane has become a unique symbol of a blind or visually

impaired person's ability to come and go independently and its

use has promoted courtesy and opportunity for mobility of people

who are blind on our streets and highways; and

WHEREAS, The white cane reminds us that when approaching a

blind or visually impaired person, we should always exercise

appropriate caution, especially if operating an automobile;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the National Federation of the Blind (NFB),

the Lions Club International and other organizations promote

events such as "Meet the Blind Month" for October and the

National and International "White Cane Safety Day" on October 15

to promote understanding of blindness and to learn more about

those who are blind and visually impaired and the efforts they

make to lead full and active lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the

month of October 2012 as "Meet the Blind Month" in Pennsylvania,

and October 15, 2012, as "White Cane Safety Day" in

Pennsylvania, urge residents and communities in this

Commonwealth to participate in organized events and thank the

NFB, the Lions Club International and other organizations

involved in the observances for their efforts to promote

understanding of issues involving blindness and the people in

this Commonwealth who are blind and visually impaired and their

efforts to achieve their aspirations, hopes and full abilities

in society.