[nfbmi-talk] Presidential Proclamation

[joe harcz Comcast]

Can't wait for RSA, OCR at Ed., and the Department of Justice Civil Rights 
Division, Disabilities Rights Section to get back to work so that we indeed 
can ensure that BSBP is accessible and does indeed follow the civil rights 
laws that bind it and the Rehab Act that created and funds it.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terry D. Eagle" <terrydeagle at yahoo.com>
To: "'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: "'NFB of Michigan Vendors List'" <vendorsmi at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 6:33 PM
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Presidential Proclamation


> 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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