For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 21, 2004
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Americans with disabilities are active and contributing members of
our society, and they must have the opportunity to develop the skills
they need to compete and obtain jobs in the 21st century workforce. By
reducing physical barriers and false perceptions, our country meets our
commitment to millions of Americans with disabilities, and benefits
from their talents, creativity, and hard work.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) has brought about
important progress in our Nation. Under my Administration's New
Freedom Initiative, we continue to work to ensure that people with
disabilities can participate fully in the workplace and all aspects of
community life. Through funding for new technologies and innovative
resources, we are changing old ways of thinking and fulfilling the
Federal Government's commitment to opportunity for every citizen.
The New Freedom Initiative has helped enable individuals with
disabilities to access assistive technologies. My Administration has
invested in research and development for new technology. We have
expanded the Department of Defense's Computer/Electronic Accommodations
Program, which provides Federal employees with disabilities greater
access to electronic and information technology. The Department of
Labor launched DisabilityInfo.gov in 2002, an online resource that
streamlines access to information about Federally sponsored employment,
job accommodations, transportation, State and regional assistance
programs, technology, and other programs relevant to the daily lives of
individuals with disabilities.
We must foster a better understanding of ADA requirements and
increase dialogue and cooperation between the business and disability
communities. Through the New Freedom Small Business Initiative, the
Department of Labor and the Small Business Administration are educating
small business owners about the benefits of hiring people with
disabilities and helping adult workers with disabilities acquire the
skills and resources needed to become small business owners. The Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission is releasing user-friendly
information on how the ADA applies to particular disabilities in the
workplace and providing free ADA workshops offering employment-related
services and information sessions for small businesses. My
Administration is implementing the "Ticket to Work" program, which
allows Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability
beneficiaries who want to work to choose their own employment-related
services. The Department of Labor and other agencies are also
improving the capacity of community One-Stop Career Centers to provide
training and employment services to people with disabilities.
To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and
to encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce,
the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended
(36 U.S.C. 121), has designated October of each year as "National
Disability Employment Awareness Month."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim October 2004 as National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. I call upon Government officials, labor
leaders, employers, and the people of the United States to observe this
month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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