STATE OF NEW MEXICO EXECUTIVE OFFICE SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Proclamation

WHEREAS, the model white cane law was originally written by Dr. Jacobus Tenbroek, a distinguished professor of law and the first president of the National Federation of the Blind; and 
 
WHEREAS, New Mexico enacted a white cane law in 1967, becoming the first state in the nation to adopt the model white cane law; and 
  
WHEREAS, the white cane law declares that it is the policy of the state to encourage and enable persons who are blind, visually impaired or who have other physical disabilities
to participate fully in the social and economic life of the state, and to engage in remunerative employment and 
 
WHEREAS, the white cane law gives persons who are blind, visually impaired or who have other physical disabilities the same rights as all citizens to the full and free use of the streets, 
highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities and other public places; and 
 
WHEREAS, the white cane law gives persons who are blind, visually impaired or who have other physical disabilities full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges 
of all common carriers, airplanes, motor vehicles, railroad trains, motor buses, streetcars, boats, any other public conveyances or modes of transportation, hotels, lodging places, 
places of public accommodation, amusement or resort, and any other places to which the general public is invited; and 
 
WHEREAS, the white cane law requires that drivers shall take all necessary precautions to avoid injury to pedestrians who are using a white cane or a guide dog; 
 
NOW THEREFORE, I, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of the State of New Mexico, do hereby proclaim October 15th, 2019, as 
 
"WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY" 

throughout the state of New Mexico. 
 
Attest:   Done at the Executive Office this 24th day of September, 2019. 

SIGNATURE
 
Maggie Toulouse Oliver    
Secretary of State


Witness my hand and the Great Seal
of the State of New Mexico. 

SIGNATURE

Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor