[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 63407-63408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26687]



[[Page 63405]]

Vol. 80

Monday,

No. 201

October 19, 2015

Part V





The President





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Proclamation 9349--Blind Americans Equality Day, 2015
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  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 63407]]

                Proclamation 9349 of October 14, 2015

                
Blind Americans Equality Day, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Blind and visually impaired individuals make 
                extraordinary contributions to our Nation, and their 
                achievements reflect an enduring belief at the heart of 
                America's promise: that no person's potential should be 
                limited by anything other than the scope of their 
                dreams. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recommit to 
                making good on this promise by ensuring all our people, 
                including those living with visual impairments or other 
                print disabilities, have the tools and resources they 
                need to realize their greatest aspirations.

                Twenty-five years ago, our country took a major step 
                toward achieving this goal with the passage of the 
                Americans with Disabilities Act, which mandates all 
                places that comprise our shared life remain accessible 
                to all people. And each day, in part thanks to this 
                law, millions of legally blind and visually impaired 
                Americans are better able to develop their skills and 
                contribute to communities across our country.

                My Administration remains committed to ensuring ours is 
                a Nation where the blind community has every chance to 
                fully realize their incredible talents. Earlier this 
                year, we hosted the White House Summit on Disability 
                and Employment, which provided businesses, 
                organizations, and advocates with information and 
                Federal resources for hiring individuals with 
                disabilities. Additionally, we have prioritized 
                improving the accessibility of Federal Government Web 
                sites for people with disabilities. We also continue to 
                support the inclusion of Braille in our Nation's 
                schools--because no child should be prevented from 
                reaching their fullest potential due to blindness or 
                vision impairment. And across all levels of government, 
                we are working to expand access to high-quality 
                workforce, education, and rehabilitation services for 
                Americans with disabilities.

                Blind and visually impaired people are valued members 
                of our communities, and from lecture halls to 
                laboratories and sports stadiums to conference rooms, 
                they drive meaningful progress and help build a 
                stronger, more vibrant Nation. On Blind Americans 
                Equality Day, we rededicate ourselves to building a 
                society where everyone has an equal shot at the 
                American dream and can benefit from all our country has 
                to offer.

                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 reaffirm our 
                commitment to being 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, 2015, 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.

[[Page 63408]]

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

[FR Doc. 2015-26687
Filed 10-16-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P