[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