[Blindtlk] Blind Americans Equality Day 2011

[Steven Johnson]

Blind_Americans_Equality_Day_2011 (2).pdf
THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press Secretary
For Immediate ReleaseOctober 14, 2011
BLIND AMERICANS EQUALITY DAY, 2011
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Generations of blind and visually impaired Americans have 
dedicated their passion and skills to enhancing our national 
life--leading aspublic servants, penning works of literature, 
lending their voice to music, and inspiring as champions of 
sport. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we celebrate the 
achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans and 
reaffirm our commitment to advancing their complete social 
andeconomic integration.
My Administration is dedicated to ensuring Americans 
withdisabilities have every opportunity to reach their full 
potential. Last year, I signed the Twenty-First Century 
Communications and Video Accessibility Act to set new standards 
that enable people living with disabilities to access broadband, 
digital, and mobile innovations. To help level the playing 
field for employment, we are working to improve the Federal 
Government's compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation 
Act. Making electronic and information technology 508 compliant 
will give applicants with disabilities a fair chance and allow 
employees with disabilities to use necessary tools while on the 
job. By taking these steps, my Administration reaffirms its 
pledge to openness by making sure that people with disabilities 
can better access all the information the FederalGovernment has 
placed online.
This year also marks the 75thanniversary of the passage 
ofthe Randolph-Sheppard Act. For decades, the legislation 
hasprovided openings for blind Americans to work as vendors 
onFederal property, creating meaningful entrepreneurial 
opportunities and enabling them to contribute to our economy. 
These jobs have enriched the lives of those participating in
theRandolph-Sheppard program and enhanced public understanding of 
blindness for those who have interacted with the program's 
vendors.
Though we have made progress in the march to equality for 
the blind and those with low vision, there isstill more work 
tobe done. In addition to improving access to technology and 
employment opportunities, this January, I signed the Pedestrian 
Safety Enhancement Act. This landmark legislation requires 
electric and hybrid car manufacturers to add sounds to alert all 
pedestrians to the presence of these unusually quiet vehicles. 
These provisions will help increase the safety and independence 
of blind and visually impaired Americans.
By joint resolution approved on October6, 1964 (Public 
Law88-628, as amended), the Congress designated October15 
ofeach year as "White Cane Safety Day"to recognize the
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contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision. 
Today, let us recommit to forging ahead with the work of 
perfecting our Union and ensuring we remain a Nation where 
allour people, including those living with disabilities, have 
every opportunity to achieve their dreams.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACKOBAMA, President of the 
UnitedStates of America, do hereby proclaim October15, 2011, 
as Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon public officials, 
business and community leaders, educators, librarians, and 
Americans across the country to observe this day with 
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
fourteenthday of October, in the year of our Lord 
twothousandeleven,and of the Independence of the 
UnitedStates ofAmerica the twohundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
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"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen." Hebrews 11