[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 29, 1992]
[Page 2073]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992
October 29, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 5482, the ``Rehabilitation Act 
Amendments of 1992.'' H.R. 5482 extends and improves important programs 
under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a law that directly affects the 
lives of millions of Americans with disabilities. I am particularly 
pleased that major provisions contained in the Administration's proposal 
for reauthorization of the Act are included in the bill.
    The scope of the Rehabilitation Act is broad. It provides for 
partnerships among the Federal, State, and private sectors to help 
Americans with disabilities participate more fully in the economic and 
social life of our Nation. Vocational rehabilitation, client assistance, 
independent living services and centers, and projects with industry are 
only some of the activities authorized under the Act.
    Increased emphasis on program results, provider accountability, and 
client choice are the hallmarks of H.R. 5482. The Act requires that 
performance indicators and evaluation standards be developed for the 
$1.8 billion Basic State Grant program. These requirements are the key 
to ensuring continuing improvements in services provided under the 
largest program in the Act. This legislation will further our efforts to 
make consumer choice a tool for strengthening government services. 
Additional reforms afford clients a greater voice in their 
rehabilitation plans and authorize the Secretary of Education to 
demonstrate other ways in which client choice of services and providers 
can be increased in vocational rehabilitation. Finally, the Act 
authorizes model projects that give underemployed workers with 
disabilities the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills they 
need to advance.
    Just over 2 years ago, I signed into law the landmark Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990, which marked the end of the wrongful 
segregation and exclusion of individuals with disabilities from the 
mainstream of American life. In signing H.R. 5482, I am pleased once 
again to emphasize my commitment to ending discrimination against 
Americans with disabilities and ensuring their full integration into our 
Nation's workplaces and communities.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
October 29, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 5482, approved October 29, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-569.