Blind Americans Equality Day

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama declared Monday a day to celebrate the ways in which blind and visually impaired people have "enriched every part of our national life."

Blind Americans Equality Day was established by Congress in 1964 as a day to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision, a White House release said.

"As business leaders and public advocates, teachers and scientists, musicians and athletes, and in countless other ways, blind and visually impaired Americans have profoundly enriched every part of our national life," Obama said.

Obama reaffirmed his commitment to "open new pathways for blind and visually impaired Americans to pursue careers in all fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."

"When the American people have the chance to succeed, we can achieve extraordinary things," Obama said. "Today, 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."