[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