[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 66 (Friday, April 5, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20409-20410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08037]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 66 / Friday, April 5, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 20409]]

                Proclamation 8954 of April 1, 2013

                
World Autism Awareness Day, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Today, public health officials estimate that 1 in every 
                88 children in America is growing up on the autism 
                spectrum. It is a reality that affects millions of 
                families every day, from the classroom to the job 
                market. And while our country has made progress in 
                supporting Americans with autism spectrum disorders 
                (ASDs), we are only beginning to understand the factors 
                behind the challenges they face. On World Autism 
                Awareness Day, we recommit to helping individuals on 
                the autism spectrum reach their full potential.

                To achieve that goal, we need a health care system that 
                works for children and adults with ASDs. The Affordable 
                Care Act prevents insurers from denying coverage to 
                children on the autism spectrum, and it ensures new 
                health plans must cover autism screenings at no cost to 
                parents. Beginning in 2014, the Act will make it 
                illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against 
                men and women with preexisting conditions, including 
                ASDs. And looking ahead, my Administration is investing 
                in medical research that can help unlock tomorrow's 
                breakthroughs in autism detection, intervention, and 
                education.

                Leveling the playing field for Americans on the autism 
                spectrum also takes commitment in our schools. That is 
                why we are advancing initiatives to help students with 
                ASDs get a good education free from discrimination and 
                undue hardship. And it is why we are making sure that 
                education can lead to meaningful employment by 
                supporting vocational rehabilitation programs and 
                opening higher education to more people on the autism 
                spectrum.

                All Americans should have the chance to live full, 
                independent lives and follow their talents wherever 
                they lead. This month, we recognize Americans with ASDs 
                who are walking through doors of opportunity, and we 
                recommit to opening them wider in the years ahead.

                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 April 2, 2013, as 
                World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans 
                to learn more about autism and what they can do to 
                support individuals on the autism spectrum and their 
                families.

[[Page 20410]]

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

[FR Doc. 2013-08037
Filed 4-4-13; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3