Blind Americans Equality Day

October 15, 2012—In a Presidential Proclamation, President Barack Obama announced October 15, 2012 as Blind Americans Equality Day. President Obama discussed the continuing efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to education, information, and job training. Such efforts included: continued implementation of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act; development of video description standards by the FCC for television stations; a report completed by the Department of Justice evaluating the accessibility of federal government electronic and information technology, in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794d); and the Department of Education’s promotion of accessible learning tools for individuals with disabilities. President Obama noted: “We renew our commitment to innovative projects and initiatives that will propel us further toward full access, inclusion, and opportunity for blind and visually impaired Americans.”