[Nfbc-info] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2015

[Frida Aizenman]

Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2015

October 15, 2015

Source: The White House

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Blind and visually impaired individuals make extraordinary contributions 
to our Nation, and their achievements reflect an enduring belief at the 
heart

of Americas promise: that no persons potential should be limited by 
anything other than the scope of their dreams. On Blind Americans 
Equality Day, we

recommit to making good on this promise by ensuring all our people, 
including those living with visual impairments or other print 
disabilities, have the

tools and resources they need to realize their greatest aspirations.

Twenty-five years ago, our country took a major step toward achieving 
this goal with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which 
mandates

all places that comprise our shared life remain accessible to all 
people. And each day, in part thanks to this law, millions of legally 
blind and visually

impaired Americans are better able to develop their skills and 
contribute to communities across our country.

My Administration remains committed to ensuring ours is a Nation where 
the blind community has every chance to fully realize their incredible 
talents.

Earlier this year, we hosted the White House Summit on Disability and 
Employment, which provided businesses, organizations, and advocates with 
information

and Federal resources for hiring individuals with disabilities. 
Additionally, we have prioritized improving the accessibility of Federal 
Government websites

for people with disabilities. We also continue to support the inclusion 
of Braille in our Nations schools -- because no child should be 
prevented from

reaching their fullest potential due to blindness or vision impairment. 
And across all levels of government, we are working to expand access to 
high-quality

workforce, education, and rehabilitation services for Americans with 
disabilities.

Blind and visually impaired people are valued members of our 
communities, and from lecture halls to laboratories and sports stadiums 
to conference rooms,

they drive meaningful progress and help build a stronger, more vibrant 
Nation. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we rededicate ourselves to 
building a society

where everyone has an equal shot at the American dream and can benefit 
from all our country has to offer.

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 reaffirm our commitment to being 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, 2015, 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 fourteenth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the 
Independence of

the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

BARACK OBAMA

Link:

Go to website for News Source

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/14/presidential-proclamation-blind-americans-equality-day-2015