[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 201 (Friday, October 17, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62551-62552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-24931]



[[Page 62549]]

Vol. 79

Friday,

No. 201

October 17, 2014

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 9195--Blind Americans Equality Day, 2014
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 201 / Friday, October 17, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 9195 of October 14, 2014

                
Blind Americans Equality Day, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For half a century, our Nation has set aside one day 
                every year to honor the contributions of blind and 
                visually impaired Americans. In that time, we have 
                built a more just and more inclusive society. We have 
                torn down barriers to full participation in our 
                democracy and economy--but more work remains to 
                guarantee all Americans have a fair shot at success. 
                Today, we reaffirm our commitment to equal access, 
                equal opportunity, and equal respect for every person 
                and continue our work to ensure that no one is excluded 
                from America's promise.

                All Americans have a fundamental right to dignity and 
                respect, and to fully take part in the American 
                experience. Every day, people with visual impairments 
                and other print disabilities enrich our communities and 
                demonstrate the inherent worth of every person. In our 
                classrooms, blind Americans teach history and 
                mathematics while fostering an early awareness of the 
                innate possibility within each person. On canvas and 
                through music, artists with visual impairments show us 
                the world as they know it and broaden our understanding 
                of our universe. Across our country, Americans with 
                disabilities contribute to our workplaces and our 
                economy while securing stronger futures for themselves 
                and their families.

                My Administration is dedicated to expanding opportunity 
                because all people deserve the freedom to make of their 
                lives what they will. We are building on the foundation 
                of the Americans with Disabilities Act by strengthening 
                the protections against disability-based discrimination 
                and advancing programs that increase accessibility in 
                the places we learn, work, and live. Because Braille is 
                a key tool that unlocks learning for many blind and 
                visually impaired students, my Administration continues 
                to support Braille instruction in classrooms throughout 
                our Nation. We are committed to promoting access to 
                employment opportunities for individuals with 
                disabilities, ensuring new technology remains 
                accessible so disabilities do not stand in the way of 
                cutting-edge innovation, and--through new protections 
                in the Affordable Care Act--preventing health insurance 
                companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing 
                conditions, medical history, or genetic information.

                When our Nation is able to harness the full potential 
                of all our citizens, we can achieve extraordinary 
                things. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we resolve to 
                live up to the principles enshrined in the heart of our 
                Nation and do our part to form a more perfect Union.

                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.

                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, 2014, as 
                Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon public 
                officials, business

[[Page 62552]]

                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 
                fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                ninth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2014-24931
Filed 10-16-14; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5