[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 146 (Friday, July 30, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 46051-46052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17439]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 146 / Friday, July 30, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 46051]]


                Proclamation 7804 of 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

[[Page 46052]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-17439
Filed 7-29-04; 9:09 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P