Blind Americans Equality Day, 2017

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.

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 forty-
second.