    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10102 of October 14, 2020
    Blind Americans Equality Day, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recognize the valuable contributions
    of our fellow Americans who are blind or visually impaired. These
    individuals enrich our national economy and culture through their
    determination, courage, and strength. Today, we reflect on the progress
    our Nation has made in removing barriers that have prevented

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    the full participation of blind and visually impaired persons in our
    society, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the
    inherent dignity of all Americans.
    This Blind Americans Equality Day is particularly notable as we mark the
    100th anniversary of the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program,
    which empowers individuals with disabilities to pursue competitive
    employment opportunities consistent with their abilities, interests, and
    strengths. Through the training and skills gained in the VR program,
    individuals who are blind or visually impaired can more readily enter
    the American workforce. We are also proud to celebrate this year the
    45th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and
    the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. These
    landmark pieces of legislation forever changed our society by protecting
    in law persons with disabilities against discrimination and further
    promoting their full inclusion in American life.
    Persons with visual impairments strengthen our communities with their
    skill and talent across a wide range of professions and industries. My
    Administration will continue to support programs that combat the stigmas
    that make it difficult for persons who are blind or visually impaired to
    find employment. I recently signed an Executive Order on Continuing the
    National Council for the American Worker and the American Workforce
    Policy Advisory Board, which is strengthening powerful programs I
    established in 2018 and provides even more workers of all abilities with
    tools to secure sustained employment and economic self-sufficiency. By
    promoting the recruitment of underutilized populations, blind and
    visually impaired persons are among the direct beneficiaries from these
    initiatives. As we continue to reopen our economy, we also celebrate the
    success of the more than 1,800 small businesses operating under the
    Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936, which facilitates the entrepreneurial
    aspirations of the blind and visually impaired. These efforts have
    helped individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential and
    achieve their dreams.
    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,''; now known as ``Blind Americans Equality
    Day,''; to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or
    have impaired vision. Today, and every day, we will continue our efforts
    to ensure and champion the full and active participation of all
    Americans, including blind or visually impaired Americans, in every
    facet of our society.
    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, 2020, as Blind Americans Equality Day, to celebrate and recognize
    the accomplishments and contributions of Americans who are blind or
    visually impaired. 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 fourteenth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the

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    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fifth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP