[blindkid] Fwd: Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2013

Carol Castellano carol_castellano at verizon.net
Tue Oct 15 16:22:26 UTC 2013


Hi Everyone,
This is a great proclamation!
Carol

Carol Castellano
Parents of Blind Children-NJ
Director of Programs
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
973-377-0976
carol_castellano at verizon.net
www.blindchildren.org
www.nfb.org/parents-and-teachers

>Subject: Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2013
>Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 11:57:44 -0400
>From: "Pamela Gaston" <Pamela.Gaston at dhs.state.nj.us>
>
>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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