    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8542--JULY 26, 2010

    Proclamation 8542 of July 26, 2010
    Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in
    1990, a founding truth of our Nation was realized for persons living
    with disabilities--that all our citizens are entitled to the same
    privileges, pursuits, and civil rights. As we mark the 20th anniversary
    of this historic legislation, we renew our commitment to ensuring that
    ev-

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    eryone with disabilities can live free from the weight of discrimination
    and pursue the American dream.
    Across our country, Americans with disabilities have enriched and
    strengthened our Nation. Each day, individuals living with disabilities
    contribute immeasurably to every aspect of our country's national life
    and economy, from art to law, science to business, education to
    technology. Through steadfast determination, they have worked to make
    our communities more accessible, while empowering others to exercise
    independence and self-determination in all aspects of their lives. They
    have also brightened futures for countless young people. Today, children
    and youth with disabilities have a place in our classrooms alongside
    their peers, and are graduating with the knowledge and skills needed for
    postsecondary education and beyond.
    Yet, despite the progress made in removing barriers and eliminating
    discrimination based on disability, on this 20th anniversary of the ADA,
    we must renew our commitment to achieving equal opportunity for, and the
    full inclusion of, all people with disabilities. My Administration has
    taken important steps towards achieving this goal. We have expanded
    funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so that all
    of America's children have access to the tools to succeed. Under the
    health care reforms enacted in the Affordable Care Act, unfair practices
    like discrimination based on health status or pre-existing conditions
    will be eliminated. This landmark legislation also creates the Community
    Living Assistance Services and Supports Program to assist Americans with
    disabilities to live independently. Additionally, the Affordable Care
    Act provides States with more tools and financial incentives, such as
    the Community First Choice Option, which will support individuals with
    disabilities living in the communities of their choosing. These and
    other initiatives build on the ``Year of Community Living,'' which I
    launched in 2009 to support independent living.
    The Federal Government is committed to leading by example in hiring
    people with disabilities, with focused efforts to recruit, retain, and
    support these public servants. In partnership with the many Federal
    agencies and departments with ADA responsibilities, my Administration
    will uphold strong and meaningful enforcement of the ADA to eliminate
    discrimination in employment, housing, public services, and community
    accommodations. I urge all Americans to visit Disability.gov for
    comprehensive disability-related information and resources.
    I am also proud that the United States has in the past year joined the
    international community in signing the United Nations Convention on the
    Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In so doing, we affirm that these
    rights are not simply principles to safeguard at home, but also
    universal rights to be respected and advanced around the world.
    In honor of and in solidarity with all Americans with disabilities and
    their loved ones, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ADA, and
    recommit to build a more just world, free of unnecessary barriers and
    full of deeper understanding.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim Monday, July 26, 2010,
    the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I encourage
    Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 20th an-

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    niversary of this civil rights law and the many contributions of
    individuals with disabilities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of
    July, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA