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

Proclamation 7835 of October 20, 2004


 
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Americans with disabilities are active and contributing members of our
society, and they must have the opportunity to develop the skills they
need to compete and obtain jobs in the 21st century workforce. By
reducing physical barriers and false perceptions, our country meets our
commitment to millions of Americans with disabilities, and benefits from
their talents, creativity, and hard work.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) has brought about
important progress in our Nation. Under my Administration's New Freedom
Initiative, we continue to work to ensure that people with disabilities
can participate fully in the workplace and all aspects of community
life. Through funding for new technologies and innovative resources, we
are changing old ways of thinking and fulfilling the Federal
Government's commitment to opportunity for every citizen.
The New Freedom Initiative has helped enable individuals with
disabilities to access assistive technologies. My Administration has
invested in research and development for new technology. We have
expanded the Department of Defense's Computer/Electronic Accommodations
Program, which provides Federal employees with disabilities greater
access to electronic and information technology. The Department of Labor
launched DisabilityInfo.gov in 2002, an online resource that streamlines
access to information about Federally sponsored employment, job
accommodations, transportation, State and regional as

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sistance programs, technology, and other programs relevant to the daily
lives of individuals with disabilities.
We must foster a better understanding of ADA requirements and increase
dialogue and cooperation between the business and disability
communities. Through the New Freedom Small Business Initiative, the
Department of Labor and the Small Business Administration are educating
small business owners about the benefits of hiring people with
disabilities and helping adult workers with disabilities acquire the
skills and resources needed to become small business owners. The Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission is releasing user-friendly information
on how the ADA applies to particular disabilities in the workplace and
providing free ADA workshops offering employment-related services and
information sessions for small businesses. My Administration is
implementing the ``Ticket to Work''; program, which allows Social
Security and Supplemental Security Income disability beneficiaries who
want to work to choose their own employment-related services. The
Department of Labor and other agencies are also improving the capacity
of community One-Stop Career Centers to provide training and employment
services to people with disabilities.
To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to
encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce, the
Congress, by joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36
U.S.C. 121), has designated October of each year as ``National
Disability Employment Awareness Month.'';
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 2004 as National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. I call upon Government officials, labor
leaders, employers, and the people of the United States to observe this
month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of
October, 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 7836--OCT. 20, 2004