[Nfbk] Fwd: FW: Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, Oct. 15, 2013

Tue Oct 15 16:44:49 UTC 2013

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: *Wright, Jennifer (OFB-FK)*
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Subject: FW: Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day,
Oct. 15, 2013
To: "Flanagan, Allison A (OFB-FK)" <Allison.Flanagan at ky.gov>, Ann Smits <
ann.smits at insightbb.com>, Bill Deatherage <BillD at insightbb.com>, Carla
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"McNabb, Cora L (OFB-FK)" <Cora.McNabb at ky.gov>, David Lawson <
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Don Gerard <Don at landsharkshredding.com>, George Stokes <George4581 at gmail.com>,
"Gordon-Brown, Gerry (CAP-FK)" <Gerry.Gordon-Brown at ky.gov>, Gerry Rader
Slusher <grader at fuse.net>, Gina Fugate <Gina_Fugate at berea.edu>, "Kennedy,
Jack B (OFB-FK)" <Jack.Kennedy at ky.gov>, Jennifer Hall <Jenny26 at tds.net>,
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Patrick B (Education Cabinet)" <PatrickB.Shirley at ky.gov>, Paula Wiese <
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WFD DFB Users <WFDDFBUser at ky.gov>

 *Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, October 15,
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****

** **

** **

*David J. De Notaris* | Director
Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
1521 N. 6th Street | Harrisburg, PA 17102
717.783.3784 (P) | 717.772.1629 (F)
ddenotaris at pa.gov <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'ddenotaris at pa.gov');> ****

*Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with
disabilities. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program*****

*The information contained in this email message may be privileged,
confidential, and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended
recipient, any dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this email message in error, please reply
to the sender.*

* *

On **Friday, July 29th**, the commonwealth will be adding @pa.gov as the
primary email domain for all state employees.  For example:
ddenotaris at state.pa.us <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'ddenotaris at pa.gov');>will now be
ddenotaris at pa.gov <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'ddenotaris at pa.gov');>. The
email addresses ending in @state.pa.us will continue to function so that
emails will never be interrupted.  We appreciate your cooperation as we
take a small step to increase the usability and consistency of the
commonwealth’s online communications.****

** **

-- 
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