[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8876--OCT. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8876 of October 1, 2012

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the 22 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, we have made significant progress in giving all Americans the
freedom to make of our lives what we will. Yet, in times of prosperity
as well as challenge, people with disabilities have had fewer
opportunities in our workplaces than those without. As we work to
revitalize our economy, it is essential that each of us can bring our
talents, expertise, and passion to bear in the marketplace. But a
stronger economy is not enough; we must ensure not only full
participation, but also full opportunity. During National Disability
Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the indispensable contributions
people with disabilities make in our economy and recommit to building a
country where each of us can realize the full extent of our dreams.
Because America's workforce should reflect the diversity of its people--
including people with disabilities--my Administration remains committed
to helping our businesses, schools, and communities support our entire
workforce. To meet this challenge, the Federal Government must be a
model employer. That is why I was proud to sign an Executive Order in
2010 that called on Federal agencies to increase recruitment, hiring,
and retention of people with disabilities. In 2012, the Office of
Personnel Management reported on our progress, revealing that we are
moving toward meeting our goal of hiring an additional 100,000 people
with disabilities into the Federal workforce over 5 years. Today, more
people with disabilities work for the Federal Government than at any
time in the past 20 years, and we are striving to make it easier to get
and keep those jobs by improving compliance with Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act.
All Americans are entitled to an accessible workplace, a level playing
field, and the same privileges, pursuits, and opportunities as any of
their family, friends, and neighbors. This month, let us rededicate
ourselves to bringing down barriers and raising up aspirations for all
our people, regardless of disability, so we may share in a brighter
future together.
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 October 2012 as
National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to
embrace the talents and skills that individuals with disabilities bring
to our workplaces and communities and to promote the right to equal
employment opportunity for all people.


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA