[nfbwatlk] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2014, White House Press Release, October 14, 2014

[Mike Freeman]

Nope; you've got it right. The NFB used to proclaim May 15 as white Cane Day
for fund-raising purposes but President Johnson proclaimed October 15 as
white Cane Safety Day in 1964.

I shall curb my tongue at this point in order to avoid self-incrimination.
(grin)

Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Prows,
Bennett (HHS/OCR) via nfbwatlk
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2014 1:37 PM
To: Nightingale, Noel; NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans
Equality Day, 2014, White House Press Release, October 14, 2014

Wonder when this changed to Blind Americans Equality Day.? Didn't' this used
to be Whitecane safety day? Or something like that. Or am I confusing
something with May 15--21? 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Nightingale, Noel via nfbwatlk
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2014 1:16 PM
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality
Day, 2014, White House Press Release, October 14, 2014


Link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/10/14/presidential-proclamat
ion-blind-americans-equality-day-2014

Text:
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 14, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2014

BLIND AMERICANS EQUALITY DAY, 2014

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

For half a century, our Nation has set aside one day every year to honor the
contributions of blind and visually impaired Americans. In that time, we
have built a more just and more inclusive society. We have torn down
barriers to full participation in our democracy and economy -- but more work
remains to guarantee all Americans have a fair shot at success. Today, we
reaffirm our commitment to equal access, equal opportunity, and equal
respect for every person and continue our work to ensure that no one is
excluded from America's promise.

All Americans have a fundamental right to dignity and respect, and to fully
take part in the American experience. Every day, people with visual
impairments and other print disabilities enrich our communities and
demonstrate the inherent worth of every person. In our classrooms, blind
Americans teach history and mathematics while fostering an early awareness
of the innate possibility within each person. On canvas and through music,
artists with visual impairments show us the world as they know it and
broaden our understanding of our universe. Across our country, Americans
with disabilities contribute to our workplaces and our economy while
securing stronger futures for themselves and their families.

My Administration is dedicated to expanding opportunity because all people
deserve the freedom to make of their lives what they will. We are building
on the foundation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by strengthening
the protections against disability-based discrimination and advancing
programs that increase accessibility in the places we learn, work, and live.
Because Braille is a key tool that unlocks learning for many blind and
visually impaired students, my Administration continues to support Braille
instruction in classrooms throughout our Nation. We are committed to
promoting access to employment opportunities for individuals with
disabilities, ensuring new technology remains accessible so disabilities do
not stand in the way of cutting-edge innovation, and -- through new
protections in the Affordable Care Act -- preventing health insurance
companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, medical
history, or genetic information.

When our Nation is able to harness the full potential of all our citizens,
we can achieve extraordinary things. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we
resolve to live up to the principles enshrined in the heart of our Nation
and do our part to form a more perfect Union.

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, 2014, 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 fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA
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