[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76251-76252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30998]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 8, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 76251]]

                Proclamation 8612 of December 3, 2010

                
International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 
                2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America stands in solidarity with the growing number of 
                nations around the world that have committed themselves 
                to ending unequal treatment of persons with 
                disabilities. On International Day of Persons with 
                Disabilities, we acknowledge the contributions of women 
                and men with disabilities around the world, and we 
                recognize our charge to ensure that all individuals can 
                enjoy full inclusion and participation in our 
                societies.

                My Administration is continuing to protect and promote 
                human rights, fair opportunity, and equal access for 
                people with disabilities. Last year, the United States 
                became a proud signatory of the United Nations 
                Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 
                the first new human rights treaty of the 21st century. 
                Like our laws in the United States, this treaty urges 
                equal protection and equal benefit of the law for all 
                persons with disabilities, and it reaffirms the 
                inherent dignity, worth, and independence of the 650 
                million individuals with disabilities worldwide. To 
                advance our international work in this area, my 
                Administration has named a Special Advisor for 
                International Disability Rights at the Department of 
                State. My Administration also continues to support the 
                efforts of the World Intellectual Property Organization 
                to facilitate and increase access to literary, 
                artistic, and scientific materials for persons with 
                disabilities. With our partners around the globe, we 
                can affirm the rights of individuals with disabilities 
                to live independently if they choose, free from the 
                fear of discrimination, stigma, or economic insecurity.

                In acknowledging the progress of the past year, we also 
                reflect upon important milestones in America's civil 
                rights struggle for people with disabilities. This year 
                marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with 
                Disabilities Act and the 35th anniversary of the 
                Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These 
                historic, bipartisan civil rights laws were clarion 
                calls for equal access for and an end to discrimination 
                against persons with disabilities, and they have paved 
                the way for countless Americans with disabilities to 
                share their talents and strengthen our communities.

                We have made progress, but still have a great distance 
                to journey before every person living with a disability 
                can benefit from the same access and protections, in 
                the United States and abroad. As we celebrate 
                International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us 
                reinvigorate our commitment to eradicate barriers and 
                ensure equal opportunity for all.

                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 December 3, 2010, as 
                International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call 
                on all Americans to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs.

[[Page 76252]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                third day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-30998
Filed 12-7-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P