[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 7, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 18515-18516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08089]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 66 / Tuesday, April 7, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  
 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 18515]]

                Proclamation 9250 of April 1, 2015

                
World Autism Awareness Day, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On World Autism Awareness Day, our Nation recognizes 
                all those around the globe who live on the autism 
                spectrum. We celebrate the countless ways they 
                strengthen our communities and enrich our world--and we 
                reaffirm their fundamental rights to participate fully 
                in society, live with respect, and achieve their 
                greatest potential.

                In the United States, millions of adults and young 
                people live with autism spectrum disorder, including 1 
                out of every 68 children. They are our colleagues, 
                classmates, friends, and loved ones, and they each have 
                something to contribute to the American story. In large 
                cities and small towns, individuals with autism live 
                independent and productive lives, and our Nation is 
                better because of their unique talents and 
                perspectives. Their example reminds us that all people 
                have inherent dignity and worth, and that everyone 
                deserves a fair shot at opportunity.

                My Administration is committed to helping Americans 
                with autism fulfill their potential by ensuring access 
                to the resources and programs they need. The Affordable 
                Care Act prohibits companies from denying health 
                insurance because of pre-existing conditions such as 
                autism, and the law also requires most insurance plans 
                to cover preventive services--including autism and 
                developmental screenings for young children--without 
                copays. Last year, I was proud to sign the Autism CARES 
                Act of 2014, which bolstered training and educational 
                opportunities for professionals serving children or 
                adults on the autism spectrum. And as part of the BRAIN 
                Initiative, we continue to invest in innovative 
                research that aims to revolutionize our understanding 
                of conditions like autism and improve the lives of all 
                who live with them.

                The greatness of our Nation lies in the diversity of 
                our people. When more Americans are able to pursue 
                their full measure of happiness, it makes our Union 
                more perfect and uplifts us all. Today, let us honor 
                advocates, professionals, family members, and all who 
                work to build brighter tomorrows alongside those with 
                autism. Together, we can create a world free of 
                barriers to inclusion and full of understanding and 
                acceptance of the differences that make us strong.

                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, 2015, 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 18516]]

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

[FR Doc. 2015-08089
Filed 4-6-15; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F5