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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>THE WHITE HOUSE</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Office of the Press Secretary</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>For Immediate Release</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>December 2, 2009</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES,
2009</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>A PROCLAMATION</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>This year, in an effort to renew our global
commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons with
disabilities, the United States became<BR>a proud signatory of the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This treaty
represents a paradigm shift, urging equal protection<BR>and benefits for all
citizens, and reaffirming the inherent dignity and independence of the 650
million people living with disabilities worldwide. Today,<BR>as we commemorate
the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the skills,
achievements, and contributions of persons with disabilities<BR>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<BR>disabilities
can reach their greatest potential.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Despite our increased efforts, persons with
disabilities continue to face barriers to their full participation in society.
In the United States, Americans<BR>with disabilities still experience
discrimination in the workplace and in their communities. In developing nations,
90 percent of children with disabilities<BR>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,<BR>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<BR>renew our commitment to the principles of
empowerment, dignity, and equality. The United States has co-sponsored and
joined consensus on the United Nations<BR>General Assembly Third Committee's
resolution titled, "Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for Persons with
Disabilities." We must continue to embrace<BR>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<BR>we work together,
we can build a world free of unnecessary barriers and include every member of
our international community.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>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<BR>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<BR>day with appropriate ceremonies, activities,
and programs.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>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<BR>States of America the two hundred and
thirty-fourth.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>BARACK OBAMA</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Eric Bridges</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Director of Advocacy and Governmental
Affairs</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>American Council of the Blind</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 650</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Arlington, VA 22201</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Phone: (202) 467-5081</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Fax: (703) 465-5085</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>