    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8612--DEC. 3, 2010

    Proclamation 8612 of December 3, 2010
    International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    America stands in solidarity with the growing number of nations around
    the world that have committed themselves to ending unequal treatment of
    persons with disabilities. On International Day of Persons with
    Disabilities, we acknowledge the contributions of women and men with
    disabilities around the world, and we recognize our charge to ensure
    that all individuals can enjoy full inclusion and participation in our
    societies.
    My Administration is continuing to protect and promote human rights,
    fair opportunity, and equal access for people with disabilities. Last
    year, the United States became a proud signatory of the United Nations
    Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first new
    human rights treaty of the 21st century. Like our laws in the United
    States, this treaty urges equal protection and equal benefit of the law
    for all persons with disabilities, and it reaffirms the inherent
    dignity, worth, and independence of the 650 million individuals with
    disabilities worldwide. To advance our international work in this area,
    my Administration has named a Special Advisor for International
    Disability Rights at the Department of State. My Administration also
    continues to support the efforts of the World Intellectual Property
    Organization to facilitate and increase access to literary, artistic,
    and scientific materials for persons with disabilities. With our
    partners around the globe, we can affirm the rights of individuals with
    disabilities to live independently if they choose, free from the fear of
    discrimination, stigma, or economic insecurity.
    In acknowledging the progress of the past year, we also reflect upon
    important milestones in America's civil rights struggle for people with
    disabilities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with
    Disabilities Act and the 35th anniversary of the Individuals with
    Disabilities Education Act. These historic, bipartisan civil rights laws
    were clarion calls for equal access for and an end to discrimination
    against persons with disabilities, and they have paved the way for
    countless Americans with disabilities to share their talents and
    strengthen our communities.
    We have made progress, but still have a great distance to journey before
    every person living with a disability can benefit from the same access
    and protections, in the United States and abroad. As we celebrate
    International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us reinvigorate our
    commitment to eradicate barriers and ensure equal opportunity for all.

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    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, 2010, as
    International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call on all Americans
    to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
    programs.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
    December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA