[Nfbmo] Blind equality day

[Gary Wunder]

I like this release.  It may take me a while to get used to blind Americans
equality day, and while it probably better expresses to a general audience
what we are all about, I will miss White Cane safety Day and the mention of
our beloved founder, Dr. Jacobus tenBroek.

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of fred olver
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 10:46 AM
To: NFB of Missouri Mailing List
Subject: [Nfbmo] Blind equality day


----- Original Message ----- 
From: White House Disability Group 
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 6:38 PM
Subject: Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2011


           Friday, October 14, 2011 
                    Please circulate. Text is below and full document is
attached.


                  THE WHITE HOUSE

                  Office of the Press Secretary

                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                  October 14, 2011

                  Attached is a proclamation signed by the President today
regarding Blind Americans Equality Day, 2011.

                  THE WHITE HOUSE 

                  Office of the Press Secretary

                  For Immediate Release October 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
as public 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 and economic
integration.

                  My Administration is dedicated to ensuring Americans with
disabilities 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 Federal
Government has placed online.

                  This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the passage
of the Randolph-Sheppard Act. For decades, the legislation has provided
openings for blind Americans to work as vendors on Federal property,
creating meaningful entrepreneurial opportunities and enabling them to
contribute to our economy. These jobs have enriched the lives of those
participating in the Randolph-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 is still more work to be 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 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 forging ahead with the
work of perfecting our Union and ensuring we remain a Nation where all our
people, including those living with disabilities, have every opportunity to
achieve their dreams.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 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
fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-sixth.

                  BARACK OBAMA

                  # # #

                  Stay Connected

                          
                 
           
     


http://www.dealingwithvisionloss.com  For some of us it's a way of life and
for some of us it just makes life easier. Fred Olver
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