[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9662 of October 13, 2017

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Blind Americans Equality Day, we celebrate the achievements of our
blind and visually impaired citizens. These individuals make meaningful
contributions every day to our country, enhancing and strengthening our
communities and our culture. On this day, we reflect as a Nation on how
we will continue to set the global standard in ensuring that our blind
and visually impaired citizens live in communities of opportunity,
respect, and civic engagement. Not only do the blind and visually
impaired deserve to live in such communities, but we know that when they
do, our schools, businesses, and society are stronger and more vibrant.
Blind and visually impaired Americans face unique barriers and obstacles
in their lives as they strive to achieve their goals and aspirations. As
a Nation, we will work to eliminate those hindrances and to ensure that
everyone has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Through
technological advances, job training and educational opportunities, and
the engagement of business and industry leaders, our blind and visually
impaired citizens can continue to enrich our Nation with their gifts and
talents and write their own stories of success.
My Administration plans to create 25 million new American jobs over the
next decade that will ignite economic growth, allowing all our citizens,
including millions of Americans with disabilities, to reach their full
potential and enjoy greater prosperity. By Executive Order on June 15,
2017, we expanded apprenticeships, giving more Americans, including
individuals with disabilities, access to relevant skills and the tools
they need to secure high-paying jobs. Paid apprenticeships are critical
positions in our economy, as they provide the opportunity to develop
skills that meet the needs of employers and add value to the workplace.
My Administration's existing and forthcoming workforce initiatives will
provide increased opportunities for blind and visually

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impaired Americans to realize their aspirations and achieve success,
inclusion, and independence.
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 impaired vision. Today, we rededicate our efforts and
continue working to ensure all Americans, including those who are blind
or visually impaired, have every opportunity to achieve success.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2017, as a
day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and contributions of
blind and visually impaired Americans. I call upon all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to reaffirm
our commitment to achieving equality for all Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP