Yeah, Steve, I ultimately hear you in the end, but I think it is at 
least better than nothing.

I don't remember this from previous administrations, but I could be wrong.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 1:05 PM
Subject: Re: [bardtalk] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind AmericansEquality 
Day, 2013


> Big whup, just a bunch of hot air put on paper.
>
> A lot of nice platitudes; but until we get disability rights that are more
> effective than the ADA, true accessibility in terms of affordable adaptive
> technology and accessible setup menus on home theater and appliances, this
> is as worthless as the paper its written on.
>
> Steve, K8SP
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 4:52 PM
> Subject: Fw: [bardtalk] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind 
> AmericansEquality
> Day, 2013
>
>
>> FYI from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Nancy Lynn" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: "CCB List" <[log in to unmask]>; "OurPlace List"
>> <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 3:07 PM
>> Subject: [bardtalk] Presidential Proclamation -- Blind AmericansEquality
>> Day, 2013
>>
>>
>> I got this from another list.
>>
>> The White House
>> Office of the Press Secretary
>> For Immediate Release
>> October 11, 2013
>> Presidential Proclamation -- Blind Americans Equality Day, 2013
>>
>> BLIND AMERICANS EQUALITY DAY, 2013
>> - - - - - - -
>> BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
>> A PROCLAMATION
>>
>> Blind and visually impaired persons have always played an important role
>> in
>> American life and culture, and today we recommit to our goals of full
>> access
>> and opportunity. Whether sprinting across finish lines, leading 
>> innovation
>> in business and government, or creating powerful music and art, blind and
>> visually impaired Americans imagine and pursue ideas and goals that move
>> our
>> country forward. As a Nation, it is our task to ensure they can always
>> access the tools and support they need to turn those ideas and goals into
>> realities.
>> My Administration is committed to advancing opportunity for people with
>> disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act and other
>> important
>> avenues. In June of this year, the United States joined with over 150
>> countries in approving a landmark treaty that aims to expand access for
>> visually impaired persons and other persons with print disabilities to
>> information, culture, and education. By facilitating access to books and
>> other printed material, the treaty holds the potential to open up worlds
>> of
>> knowledge. If the United States becomes a party to this treaty, we can
>> reduce the book famine that confronts the blind community while
>> maintaining
>> the integrity of the international copyright framework.
>> The United States was also proud to join 141 other countries in signing
>> the
>> Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009, and we are
>> working toward its ratification. Americans with Disabilities, including
>> those who are blind or visually impaired, should have the same
>> opportunities
>> to work, study, and travel in other countries as any other American, and
>> the
>> Convention can help us realize that goal.
>> To create a more level playing field and ensure students with 
>> disabilities
>> have access to the general education curriculum, the Department of
>> Education
>> issued new guidance in June for the use of Braille as a literacy tool
>> under
>> the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This guidance reaffirms
>> my
>> Administration's commitment to using Braille to open doors for students
>> who
>> are blind or visually impaired, so every student has a chance to succeed
>> in
>> the classroom and graduate from high school prepared for college and
>> careers.
>> We have come a long way in our journey toward a more perfect Union, but 
>> we
>> still have work ahead. We must fulfill the promise of life, liberty, and
>> the
>> pursuit of happiness and expand the freedom to make of our lives what we
>> will. On this day, we celebrate the accomplishments of our blind and
>> visually impaired citizens, and we recommit to building a Nation where 
>> all
>> Americans, including those who are blind or visually impaired, live with
>> the
>> assurance of equal opportunity and equal respect.
>> 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 ensuring we remain a Nation
>> where
>> all our people, including those with disabilities, have every opportunity
>> to
>> achieve their dreams.
>> 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 October 15, 2013, as Blind 
>> Americans
>> Equality Day. I call upon public officials, business and community
>> 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 eleventh day of
>> October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
>> Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
>> thirty-eighth.
>>
>> BARACK OBAMA
>