Blind Americans Equality Day, 2018

Proclamation 9807 of October 12, 2018

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recognize the

contributions that Americans who are blind and visually

impaired make to our country, and the value of creating

greater opportunities for all people to live full and

independent lives. Despite facing challenges, Americans

who are blind and visually impaired continue to achieve

their dreams and strengthen our communities and our

Nation. We remain committed to helping these

individuals to be successful and achieve their goals in

school, business, and civic life.

As a Nation, we want all our citizens to have the

opportunity to achieve their goals. In keeping with

this fundamental tenet of American society, I signed an

Executive Order establishing the National Council for

the American Worker, which will develop recommendations

for a national strategy that empowers American workers

to learn the skills needed to secure sustained

employment. This national strategy will outline

policies that provide all Americans, including those

who are blind or visually impaired, with more

opportunities to work, earn a living, and connect with

others worldwide.

My Administration also supports Federal programs that

help Americans who are blind and visually impaired

obtain and maintain employment. The Randolph-Sheppard

Vending Facilities Program, for example, has provided

thousands of individuals who are blind with

entrepreneurial opportunities to run their own

businesses, generating millions of dollars in sales and

substantial earnings. Under the Independent Living

Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program,

the Department of Education has issued grants to States

to support services for individuals 55 and older for

whom independent living goals are feasible, but whose

severe visual impairment makes competitive employment

difficult to obtain. These grants fund independent

living services for older individuals who are blind and

visually impaired, activities that improve or expand

services for these individuals, and raise public

awareness of the challenges these individuals overcome.

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'' to recognize the contributions of

Americans who are blind or have impaired vision. As we

celebrate the achievements of all those who are blind

or visually impaired, I reaffirm my Administration's

commitment to providing more opportunities for these

Americans to enjoy freedom and independence. Today, we

rededicate our efforts and continue working to ensure

that all Americans, including those who are blind or

visually impaired, have opportunities 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, 2018, as

a day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments

and contributions of Americans who are blind and

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

twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord two

thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the

United States of America the two hundred and forty-

third.