[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 202 (Friday, October 18, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62339-62340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24526]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 202 / Friday, October 18, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62339]]


                Proclamation 9042 of October 11, 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.

[[Page 62340]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2013-24526
Filed 10-17-13; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4