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Senator Tom Harkin's letter to the Iowa Department for the Blind on White Cane Safety Day 2014
	  
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      Jule Reynolds, staff assistant to Senator Tom Harkin reads a letter from him on White Cane Safety Day 2014A letter from Senator Tom Harkin to the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) was read by his staff assistant Jule Reynolds during the program observing the 50th anniversary of White Cane Safety Day that was held in IDB's Assembly Room during the afternoon of Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Here is the text of the letter:
      

      October 15, 2014
      

      Dear Friends,
      

      I regret that I can’t attend today’s 50th Anniversary celebration of the Iowa Department for the Blind White Cane Safety Day, but I will be with you in spirit as you gather in Des Moines to advance “White Cane goes to work.”   October is National Disability Employment Awareness month so there is no more appropriate time to focus on employment.  I know that all of you agree with me that we must do more to increase the employment rate of Iowans who are blind and visually impaired.  No group is more disenfranchised in the workplace than individuals with disabilities.  Not only do individual with disabilities lack ready access to employment, but too often their employment falls short of meaningful work, including interaction with co-workers without disabilities.  I appreciate you coming together today to explore creative ways to change this paradigm, and I heartily support your efforts.
      

      My work as your U.S. Senator brings with it reflection and anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  We set four goals for our nation with respect to individuals with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.  Your deliberations, today, will help make these goals a reality for Iowans who are blind or visually impaired.   This is about the most important work I can imagine.
      

       I am retiring from the U.S. Senate, but I am not giving up the fight.  I will fight right along with you to make this a better and more inclusive world.   Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve you and be a part of the family of the Iowa Department for Blind. 
      

      Have a great day while you celebration and learn from each other – and a safe trip home afterward. 
      

      With warm regards,
      

      Tom Harkin
      

      U.S. Senator
      

      Senator Tom Harkin's letter to IDB on White Cane Safety Day 2014 and the U.S. Senate folder that it came in.