Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 18, 2023 / Presidential Documents 71729 

Proclamation 10655 of October 13, 2023 

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2023 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

On Blind Americans Equality Day, my Administration celebrates the contributions that people who are blind or low vision have made to our country, 

and we recommit to creating a more accessible Nation where everyone 

has the opportunity to realize their full potential. 

More than 33 years ago, the United States Congress passed the Americans 

with Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law that banned discrimination 

against people with disabilities in many areas of public life. I was proud 

to co-sponsor that historic bill as a United States Senator, and I am proud 

of its lasting impact today. 

Despite the progress we have made, we have more work to do to uphold 

the rights of Americans with visual disabilities. Less than half of blind 

or low vision Americans are employed. Public services—including online 

resources—are often designed in ways that make them inaccessible to this 

community. These are but a few of the many obstacles blind and low 

vision Americans still face. 

As President, I have made it a priority to end discrimination, increase 

independence, and expand opportunity for everyone, including Americans 

who are blind or low vision. Soon after taking office, I issued an Executive 

Order to establish a Government-wide policy of diversity, equity, inclusion, 

and accessibility in the workplace to promote fairness in the labor market 

for Americans with disabilities. This Executive Order directs agencies to 

find and remove barriers to hiring and promotion for job applicants and 

employees who are disabled. Further, my Administration ended the practice 

of paying people employed through the AbilityOne Commission—which 

creates opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities—less than minimum wage. I have also named the first-ever White 

House Disability Policy Director, whose team is working every day to defend 

and advance the rights of Americans with disabilities. I awarded Jose ́ Feliciano the National Medal of Arts, recognizing his immense contributions 

as a guitarist and pioneering artist who has bridged cultures and styles, 

won Grammy Awards, and opened doors for generations of Latino artists 

and the heart of our Nation. 

My Administration has also taken steps to increase accessibility for blind 

and low vision Americans. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we 

are reducing the barriers that blind Americans face in their daily lives 

by investing $1.75 billion to improve the accessibility of transit stations 

across America. Under my direction, the Department of Transportation is 

working to expand access to transportation for people with disabilities. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has proposed a new rule that would 

make State and local governments’ web and mobile apps more accessible, 

enabling those who are blind or low vision to access critical online resources. 

Additionally, the National Institutes of Health designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities, which will encourage research 

specific to the health issues and unmet health needs for blind and low 

vision Americans. I am also proud to have secured billions of dollars to 

expand educational opportunities for students with disabilities. 


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71730 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 18, 2023 / Presidential Documents 

This Blind Americans Equality Day, let us rededicate ourselves to defending 

and strengthening the rights of blind and low vision Americans so each 

and every person in our Nation has the chance to achieve the American 

Dream. 

By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88–628, as 

amended), the Congress authorized October 15 of each year as ‘‘White Cane 

Safety Day,’’ which is recognized today as ‘‘Blind Americans Equality Day,’’ 

to honor the contributions of blind and low vision Americans. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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, 2023, 

as Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon all the people of the United 

States—including all government officials, educators, and volunteers—to 

mark this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. 

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

of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of 

the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 

forty-eighth. 

[FR Doc. 2023–23099 

Filed 10–17–23; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F4–P 


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