    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9807 of October 12, 2018

    Blind Americans Equality Day, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recognize the contributions that
    Americans who are blind and visually impaired make to our country, and
    the value of creating greater opportunities for all people to live full
    and independent lives. Despite facing challenges, Americans who are
    blind and visually impaired continue to achieve their dreams and
    strengthen our communities and our Nation. We remain committed to
    helping these individuals to be successful and achieve their goals in
    school, business, and civic life.
    As a Nation, we want all our citizens to have the opportunity to achieve
    their goals. In keeping with this fundamental tenet of American society,
    I signed an Executive Order establishing the National Council for the
    American Worker, which will develop recommendations for a national
    strategy that empowers American workers to learn the skills needed to
    secure sustained employment. This national strategy will outline
    policies that provide all Americans, including those who are blind or
    visually impaired, with more opportunities to work, earn a living, and
    connect with others worldwide.
    My Administration also supports Federal programs that help Americans who
    are blind and visually impaired obtain and maintain employment. The
    Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facilities Program, for example, has provided
    thousands of individuals who are blind with entrepreneurial
    opportunities to run their own businesses, generating millions of
    dollars in sales and substantial earnings. Under the Independent Living
    Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program, the Department of
    Education has issued grants to States to support services for
    individuals 55 and older for whom independent living goals are feasible,
    but whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment
    difficult to obtain. These grants fund independent living services for
    older individuals who are blind and visually impaired, activities that
    improve or expand services for these individuals, and raise public
    awareness of the challenges these individuals overcome.
    By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88-628), the
    Congress authorized the President to designate October 15 of each year
    as ``White Cane Safety Day''; to recognize the contributions of
    Americans who are blind or have impaired vision. As we celebrate the
    achievements of all those who are blind or visually impaired, I reaffirm
    my Administration's commitment to providing more opportunities for these
    Americans to enjoy freedom and independence. Today, we rededicate our
    efforts and continue working to ensure that all Americans, including
    those who are blind or visually impaired, have opportunities 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, 2018, as a
    day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and contributions of
    Americans who are blind and visually impaired. I call upon all Americans
    to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies

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    and activities to reaffirm our commitment to achieving equality for all
    Americans.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP