[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 145 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 44879-44880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-18852]



[[Page 44877]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8542--Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 
2010
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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 145 / Thursday, July 29, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 44879]]

                Proclamation 8542 of July 26, 2010

                
Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities 
                Act, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was 
                signed into law in 1990, a founding truth of our Nation 
                was realized for persons living with disabilities--that 
                all our citizens are entitled to the same privileges, 
                pursuits, and civil rights. As we mark the 20th 
                anniversary of this historic legislation, we renew our 
                commitment to ensuring that everyone with disabilities 
                can live free from the weight of discrimination and 
                pursue the American dream.

                Across our country, Americans with disabilities have 
                enriched and strengthened our Nation. Each day, 
                individuals living with disabilities contribute 
                immeasurably to every aspect of our country's national 
                life and economy, from art to law, science to business, 
                education to technology. Through steadfast 
                determination, they have worked to make our communities 
                more accessible, while empowering others to exercise 
                independence and self-determination in all aspects of 
                their lives. They have also brightened futures for 
                countless young people. Today, children and youth with 
                disabilities have a place in our classrooms alongside 
                their peers, and are graduating with the knowledge and 
                skills needed for postsecondary education and beyond.

                Yet, despite the progress made in removing barriers and 
                eliminating discrimination based on disability, on this 
                20th anniversary of the ADA, we must renew our 
                commitment to achieving equal opportunity for, and the 
                full inclusion of, all people with disabilities. My 
                Administration has taken important steps towards 
                achieving this goal. We have expanded funding for the 
                Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so that all 
                of America's children have access to the tools to 
                succeed. Under the health care reforms enacted in the 
                Affordable Care Act, unfair practices like 
                discrimination based on health status or pre-existing 
                conditions will be eliminated. This landmark 
                legislation also creates the Community Living 
                Assistance Services and Supports Program to assist 
                Americans with disabilities to live independently. 
                Additionally, the Affordable Care Act provides States 
                with more tools and financial incentives, such as the 
                Community First Choice Option, which will support 
                individuals with disabilities living in the communities 
                of their choosing. These and other initiatives build on 
                the ``Year of Community Living,'' which I launched in 
                2009 to support independent living.

                The Federal Government is committed to leading by 
                example in hiring people with disabilities, with 
                focused efforts to recruit, retain, and support these 
                public servants. In partnership with the many Federal 
                agencies and departments with ADA responsibilities, my 
                Administration will uphold strong and meaningful 
                enforcement of the ADA to eliminate discrimination in 
                employment, housing, public services, and community 
                accommodations. I urge all Americans to visit 
                Disability.gov for comprehensive disability-related 
                information and resources.

                I am also proud that the United States has in the past 
                year joined the international community in signing the 
                United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with 
                Disabilities. In so doing, we affirm that these rights 
                are not simply principles to safeguard at home, but 
                also universal rights to be respected and advanced 
                around the world.

[[Page 44880]]

                In honor of and in solidarity with all Americans with 
                disabilities and their loved ones, we celebrate the 
                20th anniversary of the ADA, and recommit to build a 
                more just world, free of unnecessary barriers and full 
                of deeper understanding.

                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 Monday, July 26, 2010, 
                the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
                I encourage Americans across our Nation to celebrate 
                the 20th anniversary of this civil rights law and the 
                many contributions of individuals with disabilities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-18852
Filed 7-28-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P