Blind Americans Equality Day, 2014

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

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 thirty-
ninth.