[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 202 (Monday, October 19, 2020)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 66467-66468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-23246]



[[Page 66465]]

Vol. 85

Monday,

No. 202

October 19, 2020

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 10102--Blind Americans Equality Day, 2020
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  Federal Register / Vol. 85 , No. 202 / Monday, October 19, 2020 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 66467]]

                Proclamation 10102 of October 14, 2020

                
Blind Americans Equality Day, 2020

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recognize the 
                valuable contributions of our fellow Americans who are 
                blind or visually impaired. These individuals enrich 
                our national economy and culture through their 
                determination, courage, and strength. Today, we reflect 
                on the progress our Nation has made in removing 
                barriers that have prevented the full participation of 
                blind and visually impaired persons in our society, and 
                we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the 
                inherent dignity of all Americans.

                This Blind Americans Equality Day is particularly 
                notable as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Federal 
                Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, which empowers 
                individuals with disabilities to pursue competitive 
                employment opportunities consistent with their 
                abilities, interests, and strengths. Through the 
                training and skills gained in the VR program, 
                individuals who are blind or visually impaired can more 
                readily enter the American workforce. We are also proud 
                to celebrate this year the 45th anniversary of the 
                Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the 
                30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities 
                Act. These landmark pieces of legislation forever 
                changed our society by protecting in law persons with 
                disabilities against discrimination and further 
                promoting their full inclusion in American life.

                Persons with visual impairments strengthen our 
                communities with their skill and talent across a wide 
                range of professions and industries. My Administration 
                will continue to support programs that combat the 
                stigmas that make it difficult for persons who are 
                blind or visually impaired to find employment. I 
                recently signed an Executive Order on Continuing the 
                National Council for the American Worker and the 
                American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which is 
                strengthening powerful programs I established in 2018 
                and provides even more workers of all abilities with 
                tools to secure sustained employment and economic self-
                sufficiency. By promoting the recruitment of 
                underutilized populations, blind and visually impaired 
                persons are among the direct beneficiaries from these 
                initiatives. As we continue to reopen our economy, we 
                also celebrate the success of the more than 1,800 small 
                businesses operating under the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 
                1936, which facilitates the entrepreneurial aspirations 
                of the blind and visually impaired. These efforts have 
                helped individuals with disabilities to reach their 
                full potential and achieve their dreams.

                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,'' now known as ``Blind Americans Equality 
                Day,'' to recognize the contributions of Americans who 
                are blind or have impaired vision. Today, and every 
                day, we will continue our efforts to ensure and 
                champion the full and active participation of all 
                Americans, including blind or visually impaired 
                Americans, in every facet of our society.

                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, 2020, as 
                Blind Americans Equality Day, to celebrate and 
                recognize the accomplishments and contributions of 
                Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

[[Page 66468]]

                I call upon all Americans to observe this day with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities to reaffirm our 
                commitment to achieving equality for all Americans.

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

[FR Doc. 2020-23246
Filed 10-16-20; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P