For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 3, 2001
President Proclaims National Disability Employment Awareness Month
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our Nation's annual observance of National Disability Employment
Awareness Month allows us to reflect upon, and consider the potential
possessed by, the millions of Americans with disabilities who currently
serve in our workforce, as well as those who are ready and willing to join
the workforce. In keeping with this year's theme, "Win with Ability," we
recognize and salute the skills, creativity, and dedication of working
people with disabilities and take appreciative note of their commitment to
our Nation and its continued prosperity.
When President George H. W. Bush signed
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, our Nation made a
promise to no longer underestimate the abilities of disabled
Americans-. That Act, and its subsequent implementation, has
liberated the energies and talents of millions of Americans with
dis-abilities. We have seen evidence of progress in improved access to
employment, public places, commercial facilities, information
technology, telecommunication services, housing, schools, and polling
places.
Although America has made great progress
since the signing of the ADA, many opportunities for further
improvement still exist. My Administration is committed to
tearing down any barriers that unreasonably prevent the full
participation of Americans with disabilities. I proposed my
New Freedom Initiative to help disabled Americans realize their dreams
through meaningful and successful careers. I also have
proposed programs that will give persons with disabilities greater
access to technology, which will increase their productive capacity and
allow some to work at home. My proposed programs will expand
educational opportunities, facilitate the inclusion of people with
disabilities into the workforce, and will allow increased participation
in community life. I have signed an Executive Order
requiring full implementation of the Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead
Decision mandating that individuals with disabilities, who can receive
support and treatment in a community setting, should be given a
reasonable opportunity to live close to their families and friends,
when appropriate.
We can no longer accept the continued
existence of barriers, whether physical or social, that unreasonably
prevent persons with disabilities from full integration into our
society. I ask every citizen to join me in recognizing and valuing the
contributions that people with disabilities have made to our society
and to commit to a collective effort that creates reasonable access for
disabled persons to all that America has to offer.
By joint resolution approved August 11,
1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 121), the Congress has, each year since
1945, called upon this Nation to recognize the contributions that
workers with disabilities have made, and requested the President to
issue a proclamation calling for appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH,
President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim October 2001, as National Disability Employment
Awareness Month. I call upon government leaders, labor
leaders, and employers to collaborate to ensure the full inclusion of
our Nation's persons with disabilities in the 21st Century workforce.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|