[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 202 (Friday, October 20, 2017)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 48753-48754]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-22938]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 82 , No. 202 / Friday, October 20, 2017 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 48753]]


                Proclamation 9662 of October 13, 2017

                
Blind Americans Equality Day, 2017

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Blind Americans Equality Day, we celebrate the 
                achievements of our blind and visually impaired 
                citizens. These individuals make meaningful 
                contributions every day to our country, enhancing and 
                strengthening our communities and our culture. On this 
                day, we reflect as a Nation on how we will continue to 
                set the global standard in ensuring that our blind and 
                visually impaired citizens live in communities of 
                opportunity, respect, and civic engagement. Not only do 
                the blind and visually impaired deserve to live in such 
                communities, but we know that when they do, our 
                schools, businesses, and society are stronger and more 
                vibrant.

                Blind and visually impaired Americans face unique 
                barriers and obstacles in their lives as they strive to 
                achieve their goals and aspirations. As a Nation, we 
                will work to eliminate those hindrances and to ensure 
                that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the 
                American Dream. Through technological advances, job 
                training and educational opportunities, and the 
                engagement of business and industry leaders, our blind 
                and visually impaired citizens can continue to enrich 
                our Nation with their gifts and talents and write their 
                own stories of success.

                My Administration plans to create 25 million new 
                American jobs over the next decade that will ignite 
                economic growth, allowing all our citizens, including 
                millions of Americans with disabilities, to reach their 
                full potential and enjoy greater prosperity. By 
                Executive Order on June 15, 2017, we expanded 
                apprenticeships, giving more Americans, including 
                individuals with disabilities, access to relevant 
                skills and the tools they need to secure high-paying 
                jobs. Paid apprenticeships are critical positions in 
                our economy, as they provide the opportunity to develop 
                skills that meet the needs of employers and add value 
                to the workplace. My Administration's existing and 
                forthcoming workforce initiatives will provide 
                increased opportunities for blind and visually impaired 
                Americans to realize their aspirations and achieve 
                success, inclusion, and independence.

                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 impaired vision. Today, we rededicate our 
                efforts and continue working to ensure all Americans, 
                including those who are blind or visually impaired, 
                have every opportunity to achieve success.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2017, as 
                a day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments 
                and contributions of blind and visually impaired 
                Americans. I call upon all Americans to observe this 
                day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to 
                reaffirm our commitment to achieving equality for all 
                Americans.

[[Page 48754]]

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

[FR Doc. 2017-22938
Filed 10-19-17; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P