[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51297-51298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25440]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 9, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 51297]]


                Proclamation 7478 of October 3, 2001

                
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 
                2001

                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 disabilities. 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,

[[Page 51298]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-25440
Filed 10-5-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P