WHEREAS, the white cane, which every blind citizen of Salt Lake City has the right to carry, demonstrates and symbolizes the ability to achieve a full and independent life and the capacity to work productively in competitive employment; and

WHEREAS, the white cane, by allowing every blind person to move freely and safely from place to place, makes it possible for the blind to fully participate in and contribute to our society and to live the lives they want; and

WHEREAS, every citizen should be aware that the law requires that motorists and cyclists exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind person carrying a white cane; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City law also calls upon employers, both public and private, to be aware of and utilize the employment skills of our blind citizens by recognizing their worth as individuals and their productive capacities; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City, through its public agencies and with the cooperative assistance of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah, Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Utah Council of the Blind, can and should facilitate the expansion of employment opportunities for and greater acceptance of blind persons in the competitive labor market; and

WHEREAS, we call upon our schools, colleges, and universities to offer full opportunities for training to blind persons; upon employers and the public to utilize the available skills of competent blind persons, and to open new opportunities for the blind in our rapidly changing society; and, upon all citizens to recognize the white cane as a tool of independence for blind pedestrians on our streets and highways.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2023, as:

White Cane Awareness Day in Salt Lake City

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation click here.