Blind Americans Equality Day, 2020

Proclamation 10102 of October 14, 2020

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2020

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recognize the
valuable contributions of our fellow Americans who are
blind or visually impaired. These individuals enrich
our national economy and culture through their
determination, courage, and strength. Today, we reflect
on the progress our Nation has made in removing
barriers that have prevented the full participation of
blind and visually impaired persons in our society, and
we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the
inherent dignity of all Americans.

This Blind Americans Equality Day is particularly
notable as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Federal
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, which empowers
individuals with disabilities to pursue competitive
employment opportunities consistent with their
abilities, interests, and strengths. Through the
training and skills gained in the VR program,
individuals who are blind or visually impaired can more
readily enter the American workforce. We are also proud
to celebrate this year the 45th anniversary of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the
30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act. These landmark pieces of legislation forever
changed our society by protecting in law persons with
disabilities against discrimination and further
promoting their full inclusion in American life.

Persons with visual impairments strengthen our
communities with their skill and talent across a wide
range of professions and industries. My Administration
will continue to support programs that combat the
stigmas that make it difficult for persons who are
blind or visually impaired to find employment. I
recently signed an Executive Order on Continuing the
National Council for the American Worker and the
American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which is
strengthening powerful programs I established in 2018
and provides even more workers of all abilities with
tools to secure sustained employment and economic self-
sufficiency. By promoting the recruitment of
underutilized populations, blind and visually impaired
persons are among the direct beneficiaries from these
initiatives. As we continue to reopen our economy, we
also celebrate the success of the more than 1,800 small
businesses operating under the Randolph-Sheppard Act of
1936, which facilitates the entrepreneurial aspirations
of the blind and visually impaired. These efforts have
helped individuals with disabilities to reach their
full potential and achieve their dreams.

By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public
Law 88-628), the Congress authorized the President to
designate October 15 of each year as ``White Cane
Safety Day,'' now known as ``Blind Americans Equality
Day,'' to recognize the contributions of Americans who
are blind or have impaired vision. Today, and every
day, we will continue our efforts to ensure and
champion the full and active participation of all
Americans, including blind or visually impaired
Americans, in every facet of our society.

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, 2020, as
Blind Americans Equality Day, to celebrate and
recognize the accomplishments and contributions of
Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

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
fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.