[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8163--JULY 24, 2007

Proclamation 8163 of July 24, 2007
Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we
celebrate our progress towards an America where individuals with
disabilities are recognized for their talents and contributions to our
society. We also underscore our commitment to extend the full liberties
and freedoms of our great country to all Americans.
Seventeen years ago, President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into
law. This legislation became one of the most successful and
compassionate reforms in our Nation's history, helping to ensure that
individuals with disabilities are better able to develop meaningful
skills, engage in productive work, and participate fully in the life of
our Nation.

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121 STAT. 2774

My Administration continues our work to build on this landmark
legislation. In 2001, I announced the New Freedom Initiative to promote
the full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of
society by improving educational and employment opportunities,
increasing access to assistive technologies, expanding transportation
options, and promoting homeownership and integration into daily
community life. The New Freedom Initiative and the ADA provide children
with disabilities the tools they need to succeed in schools and
communities. Working men and women living with disabilities contribute
to our strong economy, and the ``Ticket to Work''; program and services
at One-Stop Career Centers help expand employment opportunities. The
DisabilityInfo.gov website connects individuals with disabilities and
their families to vital information that helps more Americans share in
the promises of our Nation.
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, 2007, as a day in
celebration of the 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act. I call on all Americans to celebrate the vital 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-fourth day
of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
GEORGE W. BUSH