Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 202 / Friday, October 20, 2017 / Presidential Documents 48753 

Proclamation 9662 of October 13, 2017 

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2017 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

On Blind Americans Equality Day, we celebrate the achievements of our 

blind and visually impaired citizens. These individuals make meaningful 

contributions every day to our country, enhancing and strengthening our 

communities and our culture. On this day, we reflect as a Nation on how 

we will continue to set the global standard in ensuring that our blind 

and visually impaired citizens live in communities of opportunity, respect, 

and civic engagement. Not only do the blind and visually impaired deserve 

to live in such communities, but we know that when they do, our schools, 

businesses, and society are stronger and more vibrant. 

Blind and visually impaired Americans face unique barriers and obstacles 

in their lives as they strive to achieve their goals and aspirations. As a 

Nation, we will work to eliminate those hindrances and to ensure that 

everyone has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Through 

technological advances, job training and educational opportunities, and the 

engagement of business and industry leaders, our blind and visually impaired 

citizens can continue to enrich our Nation with their gifts and talents and 

write their own stories of success. 

My Administration plans to create 25 million new American jobs over 

the next decade that will ignite economic growth, allowing all our citizens, 

including millions of Americans with disabilities, to reach their full potential 

and enjoy greater prosperity. By Executive Order on June 15, 2017, we 

expanded apprenticeships, giving more Americans, including individuals 

with disabilities, access to relevant skills and the tools they need to secure 

high-paying jobs. Paid apprenticeships are critical positions in our economy, 

as they provide the opportunity to develop skills that meet the needs of 

employers and add value to the workplace. My Administration’s existing 

and forthcoming workforce initiatives will provide increased opportunities 

for blind and visually impaired Americans to realize their aspirations and 

achieve success, inclusion, and independence. 

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 impaired vision. Today, we rededicate our efforts and continue 

working to ensure all Americans, including those who are blind or visually 

impaired, have every opportunity to achieve success. 

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, 2017, 

as a day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and contributions 

of blind and visually impaired Americans. I call upon all Americans to 

observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to reaffirm our 

commitment to achieving equality for all Americans. 


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48754 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 202 / Friday, October 20, 2017 / Presidential Documents 

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

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

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

[FR Doc. 2017–22938 

Filed 10–19–17; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F8–P 


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