[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23431]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National 
Disability Employment Awareness Month. This annual observance is an 
opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of people with 
disabilities, whose contributions to the workforce have strengthened 
our Nation. During the month of October, we pay tribute to these men 
and women while renewing our commitment to ensuring opportunity and 
inclusion for all Americans--regardless of their ability or disability.
  National Disability Employment Awareness Month originated in 1945 
when Congress designated a week in October as a time to educate the 
public about the employment issues facing people with disabilities. 
Eventually expanded to the entire month of October, the observance has 
become a valuable tool to enhance the American people's understanding 
of these issues. It is also an important opportunity to mark the 
progress we have made and the steps forward yet to be taken.
  Today, more people with disabilities than ever are graduating from 
school, participating in their communities, and succeeding in the labor 
market. For the tens of millions living in the United States with a 
disability, realizing the American dream is a real possibility that 
often did not exist a generation ago. I am especially heartened by the 
growing recognition that tapping these individuals' talent, character, 
and hard work is as important to the Nation's future as it is to 
theirs.
  At the same time, we must acknowledge the sobering reality that faces 
too many people with disabilities, including our brave servicemembers 
and veterans returning from war with severe injuries and conditions. 
While people with disabilities have long experienced far higher 
unemployment rates, they are also particularly hard hit by the current 
economic downturn. Physical, financial, and social barriers to 
employment remain, as well as the discrimination and prejudice that 
keep some from competing in the American economy on equal footing as 
everyone else. Moreover, many individuals with disabilities struggle to 
afford good, continuous health coverage, a hardship given their 
intensive health care needs.
  Clearly, we have much work ahead of us in order to fulfill the 
promise of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I am pleased 
that Congress is continuing to work toward this priority, most recently 
with the enactment of the ADA Amendments Act and the Higher Education 
Opportunity Act. On behalf of all Nevadans, I look forward to building 
on these successes in the 111th Congress.

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