[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 202 (Thursday, October 18, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52937-52938]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22938]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 202 / Thursday, October 18, 2018 / 

Presidential Documents  



[[Page 52937]]





                Proclamation 9807 of October 12, 2018



                
Blind Americans Equality Day, 2018



                By the President of the United States of America



                A Proclamation



                On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recognize the 

                contributions that Americans who are blind and visually 

                impaired make to our country, and the value of creating 

                greater opportunities for all people to live full and 

                independent lives. Despite facing challenges, Americans 

                who are blind and visually impaired continue to achieve 

                their dreams and strengthen our communities and our 

                Nation. We remain committed to helping these 

                individuals to be successful and achieve their goals in 

                school, business, and civic life.



                As a Nation, we want all our citizens to have the 

                opportunity to achieve their goals. In keeping with 

                this fundamental tenet of American society, I signed an 

                Executive Order establishing the National Council for 

                the American Worker, which will develop recommendations 

                for a national strategy that empowers American workers 

                to learn the skills needed to secure sustained 

                employment. This national strategy will outline 

                policies that provide all Americans, including those 

                who are blind or visually impaired, with more 

                opportunities to work, earn a living, and connect with 

                others worldwide.



                My Administration also supports Federal programs that 

                help Americans who are blind and visually impaired 

                obtain and maintain employment. The Randolph-Sheppard 

                Vending Facilities Program, for example, has provided 

                thousands of individuals who are blind with 

                entrepreneurial opportunities to run their own 

                businesses, generating millions of dollars in sales and 

                substantial earnings. Under the Independent Living 

                Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program, 

                the Department of Education has issued grants to States 

                to support services for individuals 55 and older for 

                whom independent living goals are feasible, but whose 

                severe visual impairment makes competitive employment 

                difficult to obtain. These grants fund independent 

                living services for older individuals who are blind and 

                visually impaired, activities that improve or expand 

                services for these individuals, and raise public 

                awareness of the challenges these individuals overcome.



                By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public 

                Law 88-628), the Congress authorized the President to 

                designate October 15 of each year as ``White Cane 

                Safety Day'' to recognize the contributions of 

                Americans who are blind or have impaired vision. As we 

                celebrate the achievements of all those who are blind 

                or visually impaired, I reaffirm my Administration's 

                commitment to providing more opportunities for these 

                Americans to enjoy freedom and independence. Today, we 

                rededicate our efforts and continue working to ensure 

                that all Americans, including those who are blind or 

                visually impaired, have opportunities 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, 2018, as 

                a day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments 

                and contributions of Americans who are blind and 

                visually impaired. 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 52938]]



                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 

                twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 

                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 

                United States of America the two hundred and forty-

                third.

                

                

                    (Presidential Sig.)



[FR Doc. 2018-22938

Filed 10-17-18; 11:15 am]

Billing code 3295-F9-P