Mayor Jerry Chapman signs proclamation as (l-r) Mike Jackson, Luis Marimatsu, Kevin Kelley, and Freddie Hartzog look on. WHEREAS, there is a need to make all citizens aware of the meaning of the white cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the blind person who carries it; And,

WHEREAS: the white cane reminds us that having a disability does not diminish one's right to take part in any aspect of society; And,

WHEREAS: the white cane enables wider participation in the workforce, in commerce, education, entertainment, and in all aspects of the human experience; And

WHEREAS: our observance of White Cane Safety Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of those who use a white cane and to renew our commitment to removing those barriers, both physical and attitudinal, that prevent people with disabilities from reaching their full potential; And

WHEREAS: The City of Colquitt must continue to remain vigilant in our responsibilities by keeping streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, and other public places safe and functional; And,

WHEREAS: white cane laws are on the books of every state in the U.S., including Georgia, providing blind persons a legal status in traffic; And,

WHEREAS: in Georgia, the law states, § 40-6-94. Blind pedestrian right of way

"The driver of every vehicle shall yield the right of way to any blind pedestrian who is carrying a walking cane or stick white in color or white tipped with red or who is accompanied by a guide dog"; And,

WHEREAS: The City of Colquitt, Georgia recognizes the important contributions by Georgia Industries for the Blind and the Region 10 Advisory Committee on Blindness in educating the citizens by developing resources and providing guidance to interested partners on issues that impact people who are blind, low vision and deaf-blind.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Jerry M. Chapman, Mayor of the City of Colquitt, Georgia, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2009, as:

White Cane Safety Day

in the City of Colquitt, Georgia and encourage all citizens to uphold the White Cane Law of Georgia and to recognize that the use of a white cane universally acknowledges that the bearer is blind.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of Colquitt, Georgia to be affixed.

Done at the City of Colquitt Municipal Annex, Colquitt, Georgia, this 5th day of October, 2009.

Jerry M. Chapman, Mayor