[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8037--JULY 25, 2006
Proclamation 8037 of July 25, 2006
Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped fulfill the promise
of America for millions of individuals living with disabilities. The
anniversary of this landmark legislation is an important opportunity to
celebrate our progress over the last 16 years and the many contributions
individuals with disabilities make to our country.
When President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law on July 26,
1990, he called this legislation a ``dramatic renewal not only for

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those with disabilities but for all of us, because along with the
precious privilege of being an American comes a sacred duty to ensure
that every other American's rights are also guaranteed.'' The ADA's far-
reaching reforms have played a significant role in enhancing the quality
of life for millions of Americans who must overcome considerable
challenges each day in order to participate fully in all aspects of
American life.
My Administration continues to build on the progress of the ADA through
the New Freedom Initiative. We have established an online connection to
the Federal Government's disability-related information and resources at
DisabilityInfo.gov, and the job training and placement services of the
``Ticket to Work'' program and One-Stop Career Centers are promoting
greater employment opportunities. We are also expanding educational
opportunities for children with disabilities, providing them with the
tools they need for success in their classrooms, homes, and communities.
In addition, we are fostering technological advancement and encouraging
increased distribution of assistive technology to help people with
disabilities live and work with greater independence. My Administration
will continue its efforts to remove barriers confronting Americans with
disabilities and their families so that every individual can realize
their full potential.
On this anniversary of the ADA, we underscore our commitment to ensuring
that the fundamental promises of our democracy are accessible to all our
citizens. As we strive to be a more caring and hopeful society, let us
continue to show the character of America in our compassion for one
another.
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, 2006, as a day in
celebration of the 16th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act. I call on all Americans to celebrate the many contributions of
individuals with disabilities as we work towards fulfilling the promise
of the ADA to give all our citizens the opportunity to live with
dignity, work productively, and achieve their dreams.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH