[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8739 of October 14, 2011

Blind Americans Equality Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Generations of blind and visually impaired Americans have dedicated
their passion and skills to enhancing our national life--leading as
public servants, penning works of literature, lending their voice to
music, and inspiring as champions of sport. On Blind Americans Equality
Day, we celebrate the achievements of blind and visually impaired
Americans and reaffirm our commitment to advancing their complete social
and economic integration.
My Administration is dedicated to ensuring Americans with disabilities
have every opportunity to reach their full potential. Last year, I
signed the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility
Act to set new standards that enable people living with disabilities to
access broadband, digital, and mobile innovations. To help level the
playing field for employment, we are working to improve the Federal
Government's compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Making electronic and information technology 508 compliant will give
applicants with disabilities a fair chance and allow employees with
disabilities to use necessary tools while on the job. By taking these
steps, my Administration reaffirms its pledge to openness by making sure
that people with disabilities can better access all the information the
Federal Government has placed online.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the passage of the
Randolph-Sheppard Act. For decades, the legislation has provided
openings for blind Americans to work as vendors on Federal property,
creating meaningful entrepreneurial opportunities and enabling them to
contribute to our economy. These jobs have enriched the lives of those
participating in the Randolph-Sheppard program and enhanced public
understanding of blindness for those who have interacted with the
program's vendors.
Though we have made progress in the march to equality for the blind and
those with low vision, there is still more work to be done. In addition
to improving access to technology and employment opportunities, this
January, I signed the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. This landmark
legislation requires electric and hybrid car manufacturers to add sounds
to alert all pedestrians to the presence of these unusually quiet
vehicles. These provisions will help increase the safety and
independence of blind and visually impaired Americans.
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 forging ahead with
the work of perfecting our Union and ensuring we remain a Nation where
all our people, including those living with disabilities, have every
opportunity to achieve their dreams.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2011, as Blind Americans
Equality Day. I call upon public officials, business and com

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munity 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 eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA