[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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.

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118 STAT. 4158

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 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7805--AUG. 16, 2004