[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51223-51224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24201]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 6, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 51223]]


                Proclamation 8426 of September 30, 2009

                
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 
                2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Fair access to employment is a fundamental right of 
                every American, including the 54 million people in this 
                country living with disabilities. A job can provide 
                financial stability, help maximize our potential, and 
                allow us to achieve our dreams. As Americans, we 
                possess a range of vocational opportunities to make the 
                most of our talents and succeed in a chosen career; 
                those with disabilities are entitled to the same 
                opportunities. During National Disability Employment 
                Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to implementing 
                effective policies and practices that increase 
                employment opportunities for individuals with 
                disabilities.

                In the past half-century, we have made great strides 
                toward providing equal employment opportunities in 
                America, but much work remains to be done. As part of 
                that continuing effort, we must seek to provide 
                opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Only 
                then can Americans with disabilities achieve full 
                participation in the workforce and reach the height of 
                their ambition.

                My Administration is committed to promoting positive 
                change for every American, including those with 
                disabilities. The Federal Government and its 
                contractors can lead the way by implementing effective 
                employment policies and practices that increase 
                opportunities and help workers achieve their full 
                potential. Across this country, millions of people with 
                disabilities are working or want to work. We must 
                ensure they have access to the support and services 
                they need to succeed.

                Recognizing the need for equal employment 
                opportunities, we must also strengthen and expand the 
                educational opportunities for individuals with 
                disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment 
                Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals 
                with Disabilities Education Act, and provided more than 
                $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services, 
                including job training, education, and placement. If we 
                are to build a world free from unnecessary barriers, 
                stereotypes, and discrimination, we must ensure that 
                every American receives an education that prepares him 
                or her for future success.

                Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical 
                role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. 
                Their contributions touch us all through personal 
                experience or through that of a family member, 
                neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a 
                Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by 
                having the ability to support themselves and their 
                families through productive work. This month, we 
                rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work 
                culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all 
                qualified employees.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as 
                National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call 
                on all Americans to celebrate the contributions of 
                individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and 
                communities, and to promote the employment of 
                individuals

[[Page 51224]]

                with disabilities to create a better, more inclusive 
                America, one in which every person is rightly 
                recognized for his or her abilities and 
                accomplishments.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-24201
Filed 10-5-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P