Presidential Documents

62551 

Federal Register 

Vol. 79, No. 201 

Friday, October 17, 2014 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9195 of October 14, 2014 

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2014 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

For half a century, our Nation has set aside one day every year to honor 

the contributions of blind and visually impaired Americans. In that time, 

we have built a more just and more inclusive society. We have torn down 

barriers to full participation in our democracy and economy—but more 

work remains to guarantee all Americans have a fair shot at success. Today, 

we reaffirm our commitment to equal access, equal opportunity, and equal 

respect for every person and continue our work to ensure that no one 

is excluded from America’s promise. 

All Americans have a fundamental right to dignity and respect, and to 

fully take part in the American experience. Every day, people with visual 

impairments and other print disabilities enrich our communities and demonstrate the inherent worth of every person. In our classrooms, blind Americans teach history and mathematics while fostering an early awareness of 

the innate possibility within each person. On canvas and through music, 

artists with visual impairments show us the world as they know it and 

broaden our understanding of our universe. Across our country, Americans 

with disabilities contribute to our workplaces and our economy while securing stronger futures for themselves and their families. 

My Administration is dedicated to expanding opportunity because all people 

deserve the freedom to make of their lives what they will. We are building 

on the foundation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by strengthening 

the protections against disability-based discrimination and advancing programs that increase accessibility in the places we learn, work, and live. 

Because Braille is a key tool that unlocks learning for many blind and 

visually impaired students, my Administration continues to support Braille 

instruction in classrooms throughout our Nation. We are committed to promoting access to employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, 

ensuring new technology remains accessible so disabilities do not stand 

in the way of cutting-edge innovation, and—through new protections in 

the Affordable Care Act—preventing health insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, medical history, or genetic 

information. 

When our Nation is able to harness the full potential of all our citizens, 

we can achieve extraordinary things. On Blind Americans Equality Day, 

we resolve to live up to the principles enshrined in the heart of our Nation 

and do our part to form a more perfect Union. 

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

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

Safety Day’’ to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind 

or have low vision. Today, let us recommit to ensuring we remain a Nation 

where all our people, including those with disabilities, have every opportunity to achieve their dreams. 

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 October 15, 2014, 

as Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon public officials, business 

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62552 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 201 / Friday, October 17, 2014 / Presidential Documents 

and community leaders, educators, librarians, and Americans across the 

country to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 

programs. 

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

of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the 

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

[FR Doc. 2014–24931 

Filed 10–16–14; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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