Title
Proclamation declaring the week of Oct. 15 - 22, 2016 as "White Cane Awareness Week" in Los Alamos County (accepted by Vernon Kerr and Janet Morgan of the Los Alamos Low Vision Group)
Body
WHEREAS: Throughout the years, the white cane, in addition to being a practical mobility tool, has served as a symbol of dignity, freedom, and independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired because of the effects of such diseases as glaucoma, pigmentosa or macular degeneration; and
WHEREAS: In New Mexico, former Governor David F. Cargo was an early advocate of white cane awareness and the need for public acceptance, outreach & education; he separated services for the blind from the State Health Department to create the Commission for the Blind in 1969 and proclaimed the first state-wide White Cane Awareness Week shortly afterward; and
WHEREAS: Beyond public understanding and education about the white cane, it is important to include tools and technology throughout our community to assist these individuals and provide them with meaningful opportunities to communicate and participate fully in everyday life; and
WHEREAS: During the week of October 15 - 22, the Los Alamos Low Vision Group is hosting events and encouraging residents to better understand the meaning of the white cane, asking them to recognize that, although the individual may need a little more accommodation, they are still very capable of contributing and being involved in our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim the Week of October 15 - 22, 2016 as
“WHITE CANE AWARENESS WEEK”
in Los Alamos County. I encourage our citizens to become educated about the meaning behind the white cane, and to honor the contributions of the blind and visually impaired in living and working independently as they give back to our community.