[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 203 (Thursday, October 20, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 65099-65100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27320]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 203 / Thursday, October 20, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 65099]]


                Proclamation 8739 of 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.

[[Page 65100]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-27320
Filed 10-19-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P