Presidential Documents

76251 

Federal Register 

Vol. 75, No. 235 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8612 of December 3, 2010 

International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

America stands in solidarity with the growing number of nations around 

the world that have committed themselves to ending unequal treatment 

of persons with disabilities. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 

we acknowledge the contributions of women and men with disabilities 

around the world, and we recognize our charge to ensure that all individuals 

can enjoy full inclusion and participation in our societies. 

My Administration is continuing to protect and promote human rights, 

fair opportunity, and equal access for people with disabilities. Last year, 

the United States became a proud signatory of the United Nations Convention 

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first new human rights treaty 

of the 21st century. Like our laws in the United States, this treaty urges 

equal protection and equal benefit of the law for all persons with disabilities, 

and it reaffirms the inherent dignity, worth, and independence of the 650 

million individuals with disabilities worldwide. To advance our international 

work in this area, my Administration has named a Special Advisor for 

International Disability Rights at the Department of State. My Administration 

also continues to support the efforts of the World Intellectual Property 

Organization to facilitate and increase access to literary, artistic, and scientific 

materials for persons with disabilities. With our partners around the globe, 

we can affirm the rights of individuals with disabilities to live independently 

if they choose, free from the fear of discrimination, stigma, or economic 

insecurity. 

In acknowledging the progress of the past year, we also reflect upon important 

milestones in America’s civil rights struggle for people with disabilities. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities 

Act and the 35th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education 

Act. These historic, bipartisan civil rights laws were clarion calls for equal 

access for and an end to discrimination against persons with disabilities, 

and they have paved the way for countless Americans with disabilities 

to share their talents and strengthen our communities. 

We have made progress, but still have a great distance to journey before 

every person living with a disability can benefit from the same access 

and protections, in the United States and abroad. As we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us reinvigorate our commitment 

to eradicate barriers and ensure equal opportunity for all. 

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 December 3, 2010, 

as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call on all Americans 

to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. 

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76252 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 8, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 

December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–30998 

Filed 12–7–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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