For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 1, 2002
President Proclaims National Disability Employment Awareness Month
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2002
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
All of our citizens should have the opportunity to live and work
with dignity and freedom. Every October, we observe National
Disability Employment Awareness Month, to recognize the talents,
skills, and dedication of disabled Americans who are a vital part of
our workforce. During this month, we reaffirm our commitment to
ensuring that people with disabilities who want to work can receive the
training they need to achieve their goal.
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA has allowed disabled persons
to participate more fully in our society; and it has opened doors for
countless Americans by removing barriers, improving employment
opportunities, expanding government services, and regulating public
accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. Much work
remains to be done; for many individuals with disabilities still find
it difficult to pursue an education, obtain a job, or own a home.
My Administration remains committed to helping America's more than
50 million disabled persons to obtain meaningful work and to achieve
the ADA's promise of equality of opportunity, independent living, and
economic self-sufficiency. Last year, I announced my New Freedom
Initiative to promote these goals. It is a comprehensive plan that
fosters the full participation of people with disabilities in all
aspects of American life. This initiative provides increased access to
innovative assistive technologies, expands educational options,
increases access to gainful employment, and promotes full access to
community life.
My Administration continues to enforce the ADA and is working with
employers to build partnerships that support creative job
accommodations and provide all Americans with meaningful and successful
careers. Breaking down barriers requires this kind of cooperative,
sustained, and consistent effort. We must continue to work for an
America where all individuals are respected for who they are,
celebrated for their abilities, and encouraged to realize their full
potential and achieve their dreams.
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, do hereby proclaim October 2002 as National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. I call upon all 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 first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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