[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 195 (Friday, October 7, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62289-62290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26146]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62289]]


                Proclamation 8726 of October 3, 2011

                
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 
                2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 Utilizing the talents of all Americans is essential 
                for our Nation to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-
                build the rest of the world. During National Disability 
                Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the skills 
                that people with disabilities bring to our workforce, 
                and we rededicate ourselves to improving employment 
                opportunities in both the public and private sectors 
                for those living with disabilities.

                 More than 20 years after the signing of the Americans 
                with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities, 
                including injured veterans, are making immeasurable 
                contributions to workplaces across our country. 
                Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for people with 
                disabilities remains too high--nearly double the rate 
                of people without disabilities--and reversing this 
                trend is crucial.

                 In both the public and private sectors, we can 
                increase employment opportunities for Americans with 
                disabilities. My Administration is promoting 
                competitive, integrated employment for persons with 
                disabilities and the elderly through the Centers for 
                Medicare and Medicaid Services. Last year, we also 
                recommitted to making the Federal Government a model 
                employer for people living with disabilities. Agencies 
                are working harder than ever to promote equal hiring 
                practices and increase retention, while also expanding 
                internships, fellowships, and training opportunities.

                 We know education is the foundation on which all 
                children can build bright and successful futures, and 
                no child should be limited in his or her desire to 
                learn. In September, we announced the final regulations 
                under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 
                Part C, to improve services and outcomes for infants 
                and toddlers with disabilities and their families 
                during the critical years before kindergarten. The 
                educational environments we are creating for children 
                with disabilities will ensure they are better prepared 
                to succeed in the classroom and later in the workplace, 
                helping position our Nation to lead in the 21st 
                century.

                Work accessibility is just as vital to success as 
                ensuring educational and hiring opportunities. Public 
                transportation is a service that should be available to 
                all Americans, and rules instated this year by the 
                Department of Transportation require new rail 
                construction or renovations to ensure accessibility to 
                persons with disabilities. We are also improving our 
                compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act 
                to make Federal agencies' electronic and information 
                technology more accessible to individuals with 
                disabilities. This will ensure all applicants have 
                equal opportunity to apply for jobs, and it will allow 
                Federal employees to better use technology at work.

                 To win the future, we must harness the power of our 
                Nation's richest resource--our people. Americans with 
                disabilities, like all Americans, are entitled to not 
                only full participation in our society, but also full 
                opportunity in our society. Their talents and 
                contributions are vital to the strength of our Nation's 
                workforce and our future prosperity. Together, we can 
                ensure

[[Page 62290]]

                persons living with disabilities have equal access to 
                employment, and to inclusive, supportive workplaces.

                 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 2011 as 
                National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I urge 
                all Americans to embrace the talents and skills that 
                individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces 
                and communities and to promote the right to equal 
                employment opportunity for all people.

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

[FR Doc. 2011-26146
Filed 10-6-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P