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

 
Proclamation 8763 of December 2, 2011

International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recommit to
ensuring people living with disabilities enjoy full equality and
unhindered participation in all facets of our national life. We
recognize the myriad contributions that persons with disabilities make
at home and abroad, and we remember that disability rights are universal
rights to be recognized and promoted around the world.
For decades, America has been a global leader in advancing the rights of
people with disabilities. From the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 to the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility
Act, which I signed last year, we have striven to bring the American
dream and comprehensive opportunities in education, health care, and
employment within reach for every individual. These actions--made
possible only through the tireless and ongoing efforts of the disability
community--affirm our commitment to an equitable and just society where
every American can play a part in securing a prosperous future for our
Nation.
To fulfill this promise not only in America, but around the world, my
Administration is putting disability rights at the heart of our Nation's
foreign policy. With leadership from the Department of State and the
United States Agency for International Development, we are collaborating
across governments and in close consultation with the global disability
community to expand access to education, health care, HIV/AIDS
prevention and treatment, and other development programs. In 2009, we
signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which
seeks to ensure persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and
opportunities as all people. If ratified, the Convention would provide a
platform to encourage other countries to join and implement the
Convention, laying a foundation for enhanced benefits and greater
protections for the millions of Americans with disabilities who spend
time abroad.
We know from the historic struggle for disability rights in the United
States that disability inclusion is an ongoing effort, and many
challenges remain in securing fundamental human rights for all persons
with disabilities around the world. On International Day of Persons with
Disabilities, we press forward, renewing our dedication to em

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brace diversity, end discrimination, remove barriers, and uphold the
rights, dignity, and equal opportunity of all people.
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 December 3, 2011, as
International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call on all Americans
to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
December, 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