President George W. Bush signs an executive order for individuals with
disabilities in emergency preparedness Thursday, July 22, 2004 in the Oval Office.
President's New Freedom Initiative
On February 1, 2001, President Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative - a comprehensive program to promote the full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of society by increasing access to assistive and universally designed technologies, expanding educational and employment opportunities, and promoting increased access into daily community life. The Administration is committed to the full enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In an East Room ceremony marking the 12th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, President George W. Bush:
Announced a clarification of Medicare policy to ensure that people with severe disabilities considered "homebound" under Medicare home health requirements are able to leave their homes occasionally without the risk of losing their Medicare coverage; and
Called on Congress to fund his New Freedom Initiative budget requests, including $145 million for: (1) competitive grants to provide additional transportation services for Americans with disabilities, increasing their access to the job market; and (2) a pilot program to demonstrate innovative solutions for transportation problems that prevent many people with disabilities from living more independently.