[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 202 (Thursday, October 18, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64219-64220]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25867]



[[Page 64217]]

Vol. 77

Thursday,

No. 202

October 18, 2012

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8889--Blind Americans Equality Day, 2012
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  Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 202 / Thursday, October 18, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8889 of October 15, 2012

                
Blind Americans Equality Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                As business leaders and public advocates, teachers and 
                scientists, musicians and athletes, and in countless 
                other ways, blind and visually impaired Americans have 
                profoundly enriched every part of our national life. 
                Today, we celebrate their innumerable contributions, 
                and we recommit to guaranteeing equal access, equal 
                opportunity, and equal respect for all Americans.

                My Administration is working to ensure people with 
                disabilities have full access to the education, 
                information, and job training they need. Over the past 
                year, we have continued to implement the 21st Century 
                Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which makes 
                it easier for people who are deaf, blind, or visually 
                impaired to take advantage of today's cutting-edge 
                technologies--including home and mobile broadband. As 
                part of that implementation, the Federal Communications 
                Commission has established video description standards 
                for television stations that help ensure programming is 
                accessible for blind and visually impaired Americans. 
                And in keeping with the promise of equal access to 
                technology under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, 
                the Department of Justice reported last month on our 
                progress toward making Federal resources fully 
                accessible and offered new recommendations to further 
                improve compliance throughout the Federal Government.

                We are also striving to open new pathways for blind and 
                visually impaired Americans to pursue careers in all 
                fields, including science, technology, engineering, and 
                mathematics (STEM). To provide more opportunities for 
                students to achieve in math and science classes, the 
                Department of Education is promoting effective learning 
                materials for blind and visually impaired students. 
                This year, the White House honored 14 individuals, 
                including several who are blind, as Champions of Change 
                for their work to expand educational and employment 
                opportunities for people with disabilities in STEM 
                fields. Their example affirms that when the playing 
                field is level, people with disabilities are equally 
                capable of excelling in these economically vital 
                professions.

                When the American people have the chance to succeed, we 
                can achieve extraordinary things. Today, we renew our 
                commitment to innovative projects and initiatives that 
                will propel us further toward full access, inclusion, 
                and opportunity for 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 
                strengthening 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, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2012, as 
                Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon public 
                officials, business and community leaders, educators, 
                librarians, and Americans across the

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                country to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs.

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

[FR Doc. 2012-25867
Filed 10-17-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F3