Free Republic

Issued on: October 11, 2019 Blind Americans Equality Day pays tribute to our fellow Americans who are blind or visually impaired for their many contributions to the strength and vitality of our Nation. We renew our steadfast commitment to ensuring their full participation in our communities, workplaces, and social life. My Administration is committed to promoting policies that foster greater liberty, prosperity, and equality. We are expanding educational, social, technological, and employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities, including blind or visually impaired individuals. We have partnered with States to promote independent living and equal employment opportunities, as well as social,...

Back at the start of the year, an unexpected controversy arose regarding the London Marathon’s rules and regulations for guide runners who support visually-impaired participants in the race. For years, London’s official policy said guide runners could not receive a medal, despite having traversed the 26.2 miles with their partner like every other finisher. (In reality, volunteers at the finish line handed everyone a medal who wanted one, and a London Marathon official told Runner’s World UK they didn’t enforce the rule. But many were upset at the principle of the stance.) Runner’s World UK and other media outlets sourced...

Visually-impaired want railways to clarify stance on riding in women-only carriages Passengers get into a women-only carriage.Visually-impaired people often find themselves in trouble when riding in Tokyo's women-only train carriages, since most women are unaware that such coaches are also open to handicapped passengers. The Japan Federation of the Blind is urging railway companies to publicize the fact that physically handicapped people can also ride in women-only cars. "We sometimes get in carriages without knowing they are women-only cars when we're in a hurry, or when we use lines we're not familiar with. If railway companies announce through a public...