[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9349 of October 14, 2015

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Blind and visually impaired individuals make extraordinary contributions
to our Nation, and their achievements reflect an enduring belief at the
heart of America's promise: that no person's potential should be limited
by anything other than the scope of their dreams. On Blind Americans
Equality Day, we recommit to making good on this promise by ensuring all
our people, including those living with visual impairments or other
print disabilities, have the tools and resources they need to realize
their greatest aspirations.
Twenty-five years ago, our country took a major step toward achieving
this goal with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which
mandates all places that comprise our shared life remain accessible to
all people. And each day, in part thanks to this law, millions of
legally blind and visually impaired Americans are better able to develop
their skills and contribute to communities across our country.
My Administration remains committed to ensuring ours is a Nation where
the blind community has every chance to fully realize their incredible
talents. Earlier this year, we hosted the White House Summit on
Disability and Employment, which provided businesses, organizations, and
advocates with information and Federal resources for hiring

[[Page 3469]]

individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we have prioritized
improving the accessibility of Federal Government Web sites for people
with disabilities. We also continue to support the inclusion of Braille
in our Nation's schools--because no child should be prevented from
reaching their fullest potential due to blindness or vision impairment.
And across all levels of government, we are working to expand access to
high-quality workforce, education, and rehabilitation services for
Americans with disabilities.
Blind and visually impaired people are valued members of our
communities, and from lecture halls to laboratories and sports stadiums
to conference rooms, they drive meaningful progress and help build a
stronger, more vibrant Nation. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we
rededicate ourselves to building a society where everyone has an equal
shot at the American dream and can benefit from all our country has to
offer.
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 reaffirm our commitment to being
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 Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2015, 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 fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA