[Missouri-l] INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

[Nancy Lynn]

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

December 2, 2009

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

This year, in an effort to renew our global commitment to human rights and 
fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities, the United States became
a proud signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons 
with Disabilities. This treaty represents a paradigm shift, urging equal 
protection
and benefits for all citizens, and reaffirming the inherent dignity and 
independence of the 650 million people living with disabilities worldwide. 
Today,
as we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we 
celebrate the skills, achievements, and contributions of persons with 
disabilities
in America and around the world. We recognize the progress we have made 
toward equality for all, and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring individuals 
with
disabilities can reach their greatest potential.

Despite our increased efforts, persons with disabilities continue to face 
barriers to their full participation in society. In the United States, 
Americans
with disabilities still experience discrimination in the workplace and in 
their communities. In developing nations, 90 percent of children with 
disabilities
do not attend school, and women and girls with disabilities are all too 
often subjected to deep discrimination. If we are to move forward as a 
people,
both at home and abroad, all individuals must be fully integrated into our 
human family. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a time 
to
renew our commitment to the principles of empowerment, dignity, and 
equality. The United States has co-sponsored and joined consensus on the 
United Nations
General Assembly Third Committee's resolution titled, "Realizing the 
Millennium Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities." We must 
continue to embrace
diversity and reject discrimination in all its forms, and insist on equality 
of opportunity and accessibility for all. Let our efforts remind us that 
when
we work together, we can build a world free of unnecessary barriers and 
include every member of our international community.

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, more do hereby proclaim December 3, 2009, 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 nine, and of the Independence of the 
United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Eric Bridges

Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

American Council of the Blind

2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 650

Arlington, VA 22201

Phone: (202) 467-5081

Fax: (703) 465-5085 
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