Blind Americans Equality Day, 2020
| Citation | 85 FR 66467 |
| Record Number | 2020-23246 |
| Published date | 19 October 2020 |
| Section | Presidential Documents |
| Court | Executive Office Of The President |
Presidential Documents
66467
Federal Register
Vol. 85, No. 202
Monday, October 19, 2020
Title 3—
The President
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 individ-
uals 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 employ-
ment 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 Individ-
uals with Disabilities Education Act and the 30th anniversary of the Ameri-
cans 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 Admin-
istration 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 Advi-
sory 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 facili-
tates 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 accomplish-
ments and contributions of Americans who are blind or visually impaired.
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66468
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 202 / Monday, October 19, 2020 / Presidential Documents
I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies
and activities to reaffirm our commitment to achieving equality for all Ameri-
cans.
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 Independ-
ence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
[FR Doc. 2020–23246
Filed 10–16–20; 11:15 am]
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