[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8462--DEC. 2, 2009

Proclamation 8462 of December 2, 2009
International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

This year, in an effort to renew our global commitment to human rights
and fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities, the United
States became a proud signatory of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This treaty represents a paradigm
shift, urging equal protection and benefits for all citizens, and
reaffirming the inherent dignity and independence of the 650 million
people living with disabilities worldwide. Today, as we commemorate the
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the skills,
achievements, and contributions of persons with disabilities in America
and around the world. We recognize the progress we have made toward
equality for all, and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring individuals
with disabilities can reach their greatest potential.
Despite our increased efforts, persons with disabilities continue to
face barriers to their full participation in society. In the United
States, Americans with disabilities still experience discrimination in
the workplace and in their communities. In developing nations, 90
percent of children with disabilities do not attend school, and women
and girls with disabilities are all too often subjected to deep
discrimination. If we are to move forward as a people, both at home and
abroad, all individuals must be fully integrated into our human family.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a time to renew
our commitment to the principles of empowerment, dignity, and equality.
The United States has co-sponsored and joined consensus on the United
Nations General Assembly Third Committee's resolution titled,
``Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for Persons with
Disabilities.'' We must continue to embrace diversity and reject
discrimination in all its forms, and insist on equality of opportunity
and accessibility for all. Let our efforts remind us that when we work
together, we can build a world free of unnecessary barriers and include
every member of our international community.
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 December 3, 2009, as
International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call on all Americans
to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs.

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123 STAT. 3746

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA