Presidential Documents

18515 

Title 3— 

The President 

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 66 / Tuesday, April 7, 2015 / Presidential Documents 

Proclamation 9250 of April 1, 2015 

World Autism Awareness Day, 2015 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

On World Autism Awareness Day, our Nation recognizes all those around 

the globe who live on the autism spectrum. We celebrate the countless 

ways they strengthen our communities and enrich our world—and we reaffirm their fundamental rights to participate fully in society, live with respect, 

and achieve their greatest potential. 

In the United States, millions of adults and young people live with autism 

spectrum disorder, including 1 out of every 68 children. They are our 

colleagues, classmates, friends, and loved ones, and they each have something 

to contribute to the American story. In large cities and small towns, individuals with autism live independent and productive lives, and our Nation 

is better because of their unique talents and perspectives. Their example 

reminds us that all people have inherent dignity and worth, and that everyone 

deserves a fair shot at opportunity. 

My Administration is committed to helping Americans with autism fulfill 

their potential by ensuring access to the resources and programs they need. 

The Affordable Care Act prohibits companies from denying health insurance 

because of pre-existing conditions such as autism, and the law also requires 

most insurance plans to cover preventive services—including autism and 

developmental screenings for young children—without copays. Last year, 

I was proud to sign the Autism CARES Act of 2014, which bolstered training 

and educational opportunities for professionals serving children or adults 

on the autism spectrum. And as part of the BRAIN Initiative, we continue 

to invest in innovative research that aims to revolutionize our understanding 

of conditions like autism and improve the lives of all who live with them. 

The greatness of our Nation lies in the diversity of our people. When 

more Americans are able to pursue their full measure of happiness, it makes 

our Union more perfect and uplifts us all. Today, let us honor advocates, 

professionals, family members, and all who work to build brighter tomorrows 

alongside those with autism. Together, we can create a world free of barriers 

to inclusion and full of understanding and acceptance of the differences 

that make us strong. 

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 April 2, 2015, World 

Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about 

autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum 

and their families. 

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18516 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 66 / Tuesday, April 7, 2015 / Presidential Documents 

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

April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence 

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

[FR Doc. 2015–08089 

Filed 4–6–15; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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