For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 26, 2004
Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) marked a
milestone in our Nation's quest to guarantee the civil rights of all
citizens. The ADA is a success story that has strengthened the
foundation for an America where we celebrate the talents and abilities
of every person.
On the 14th anniversary of this landmark legislation, we recognize
the important progress the ADA has brought about for our citizens and
our Nation. Today, individuals with disabilities are better able to
develop meaningful skills, engage in productive work, and participate
fully in society. Yet, our work is not finished. The millions of
Americans with disabilities continue to face both physical barriers and
false perceptions. Removing those obstacles requires a determined and
focused commitment to the goals of the ADA: equality of opportunity,
economic self-sufficiency, full participation, and independent living.
My Administration continues its work to achieve these goals. My New
Freedom Initiative, announced in February 2001, sets out a
comprehensive strategy for the full integration of people with
disabilities into all aspects of American life. The Department of
Justice has established the ADA Business Connection to build
partnerships between the business community and people with
disabilities. This program helps increase voluntary compliance with
the ADA and brings individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of
our economy. Through Project Civic Access, we have reached agreements
with cities and towns across the country to ensure that people with
disabilities are integrated into community life. In addition, I have
signed executive orders that remove barriers to equal opportunities
faced by people with disabilities.
On July 22, 2004, I signed an Executive Order that makes government
agencies responsible for properly taking into account agency employees
and customers with disabilities in emergency preparedness planning and
coordination with other government entities. To help coordinate this
effort, the Executive Order establishes the Interagency Coordinating
Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities.
I also signed an Executive Order on February 24, 2004, to improve
transportation for people who are transportation-disadvantaged,
including people with disabilities. This order helps Federally
assisted community transportation services provide seamless,
comprehensive, and accessible transportation services to people who
rely on transportation services for their lives and livelihood.
My Administration has also begun implementing the recommendations
of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The Commission was
established by Executive Order and its report lays out steps that can
be taken to improve mental health services and support for people of
all ages with mental illness.
By striving to ensure that no American is denied access to
employment, education, cultural activities, or community life because
of a disability, we strengthen our Nation. Through these and other
efforts, we will continue to build on the progress of the ADA, and, by
doing so, hold fast to our Nation's faith in the promise and potential
of every person.
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 July 26, 2004, as a
day in celebration of the 14th Anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the
contributions people with disabilities make to America and to renew our
commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth
day of July, 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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