[Nfb-dc] Fwd: FW: [Nfbnet-master-list] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2013

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From: Nfbnet-master-list
[mailto:nfbnet-master-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David
Andrews
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 2:48 PM
To: nfbnet-master-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-master-list] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind
Americans Equality Day, 2013

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 11, 2013
Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2013
BLIND AMERICANS EQUALITY DAY, 2013
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Blind and visually impaired persons have always played an important
role in American life and culture, and today we recommit to our goals
of full access and opportunity. Whether sprinting across finish lines,
leading innovation in business and government, or creating powerful
music and art, blind and visually impaired Americans imagine and
pursue ideas and goals that move our country forward. As a Nation, it
is our task to ensure they can always access the tools and support
they need to turn those ideas and goals into realities.
My Administration is committed to advancing opportunity for people
with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act and
other important avenues. In June of this year, the United States
joined with over 150 countries in approving a landmark treaty that
aims to expand access for visually impaired persons and other persons
with print disabilities to information, culture, and education. By
facilitating access to books and other printed material, the treaty
holds the potential to open up worlds of knowledge. If the United
States becomes a party to this treaty, we can reduce the book famine
that confronts the blind community while maintaining the integrity of
the international copyright framework.
The United States was also proud to join 141 other countries in
signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in
2009, and we are working toward its ratification. Americans with
Disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired,
should have the same opportunities to work, study, and travel in other
countries as any other American, and the Convention can help us
realize that goal.
To create a more level playing field and ensure students with
disabilities have access to the general education curriculum, the
Department of Education issued new guidance in June for the use of
Braille as a literacy tool under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act. This guidance reaffirms my Administration's commitment
to using Braille to open doors for students who are blind or visually
impaired, so every student has a chance to succeed in the classroom
and graduate from high school prepared for college and careers.
We have come a long way in our journey toward a more perfect Union,
but we still have work ahead. We must fulfill the promise of life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and expand the freedom to make
of our lives what we will. On this day, we celebrate the
accomplishments of our blind and visually impaired citizens, and we
recommit to building a Nation where all Americans, including those who
are blind or visually impaired, live with the assurance of equal
opportunity and equal respect.
By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88-628, as
amended), the Congress designated October 15 of each year as "White
Cane Safety Day" to recognize the contributions of Americans who are
blind or have low vision. Today, let us recommit to ensuring we remain
a Nation where all our people, including those with disabilities, have
every opportunity to achieve their dreams.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 15,
2013, 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 eleventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-eighth.
BARACK OBAMA
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