[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8889--OCT. 15, 2012

Proclamation 8889 of October 15, 2012

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As business leaders and public advocates, teachers and scientists,
musicians and athletes, and in countless other ways, blind and visually
impaired Americans have profoundly enriched every part of our national
life. Today, we celebrate their innumerable contributions, and we
recommit to guaranteeing equal access, equal opportunity, and equal
respect for all Americans.
My Administration is working to ensure people with disabilities have
full access to the education, information, and job training they need.
Over the past year, we have continued to implement the 21st Century
Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which makes it easier


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for people who are deaf, blind, or visually impaired to take advantage of
today's cutting-edge technologies--including home and mobile broadband.
As part of that implementation, the Federal Communications Commission
has established video description standards for television stations that
help ensure programming is accessible for blind and visually impaired
Americans. And in keeping with the promise of equal access to technology
under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Department of Justice
reported last month on our progress toward making Federal resources
fully accessible and offered new recommendations to further improve
compliance throughout the Federal Government.
We are also striving to open new pathways for blind and visually
impaired Americans to pursue careers in all fields, including science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To provide more
opportunities for students to achieve in math and science classes, the
Department of Education is promoting effective learning materials for
blind and visually impaired students. This year, the White House honored
14 individuals, including several who are blind, as Champions of Change
for their work to expand educational and employment opportunities for
people with disabilities in STEM fields. Their example affirms that when
the playing field is level, people with disabilities are equally capable
of excelling in these economically vital professions.
When the American people have the chance to succeed, we can achieve
extraordinary things. Today, we renew our commitment to innovative
projects and initiatives that will propel us further toward full access,
inclusion, and opportunity for blind and visually impaired Americans.
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 low vision. Today, let us recommit to strengthening our
Union and ensuring we remain a Nation where all our people, including
those living with disabilities, have every opportunity to achieve their
dreams.
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 October 15, 2012, as
Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon public officials, business and
community leaders, educators, librarians, and Americans across the
country to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA