    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9195--OCT. 14, 2014

    Proclamation 9195 of October 14, 2014
    Blind Americans Equality Day, 2014
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    For half a century, our Nation has set aside one day every year to honor
    the contributions of blind and visually impaired Americans. In that
    time, we have built a more just and more inclusive society. We have torn
    down barriers to full participation in our democracy and economy--but
    more work remains to guarantee all Americans have a fair shot at
    success. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to equal access, equal
    opportunity, and equal respect for every person and continue our work to
    ensure that no one is excluded from America's promise.
    All Americans have a fundamental right to dignity and respect, and to
    fully take part in the American experience. Every day, people with
    visual impairments and other print disabilities enrich our communities
    and demonstrate the inherent worth of every person. In our classrooms,
    blind Americans teach history and mathematics while fostering an early
    awareness of the innate possibility within each person. On canvas and
    through music, artists with visual impairments show us the world as they
    know it and broaden our understanding of our universe. Across our
    country, Americans with disabilities contribute to our workplaces and
    our economy while securing stronger futures for themselves and their
    families.
    My Administration is dedicated to expanding opportunity because all
    people deserve the freedom to make of their lives what they will. We are
    building on the foundation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by
    strengthening the protections against disability-based discrimination
    and advancing programs that increase accessibility in the places we
    learn, work, and live. Because Braille is a key tool that unlocks
    learning for many blind and visually impaired students, my
    Administration continues to support Braille instruction in classrooms
    throughout our Nation. We are committed to promoting access to
    employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring new
    technology remains accessible so disabilities do not stand in the way of
    cutting-edge innovation, and--through new protections in the Affordable
    Care Act--preventing health insurance companies from denying coverage
    based on pre-existing conditions, medical history, or genetic
    information.
    When our Nation is able to harness the full potential of all our
    citizens, we can achieve extraordinary things. On Blind Americans
    Equality Day, we resolve to live up to the principles enshrined in the
    heart of our Nation and do our part to form a more perfect Union.
    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 ensuring we remain a
    Nation where all our people, including those 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 Con

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    stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October
    15, 2014, 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 fourteenth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA