[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8999--JULY 25, 2013

Proclamation 8999 of July 25, 2013

Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
More than two centuries ago, our forebears began an unending journey to
form a more perfect Union. Twenty-three years ago, we took a historic
step down that path with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)--a
landmark law that seeks to extend the promise of equal opportunity
enshrined in our founding documents.
It promises equal access, from the classroom to the workplace to the
transportation required to get there. It promises fairness, and the
chance to live a full and independent life. It affords Americans with
disabilities the protections they need to claim a future worthy of their
talents.
Today, we celebrate the ADA's lasting legacy as a pillar of civil
rights. We also recognize that while the law continues to move America
forward, our march to equality is not yet complete. Even now, barriers
still keep too many people with disabilities from fully participating in
our society and our workforce. Our country suffers when our citizens are
denied the chance to strengthen our economy, support their families, and
fully participate in our American life.
That is why my Administration is dedicated to leveling the playing field
for Americans with disabilities. We are committed to making the Federal
Government a model employer by recruiting, hiring, and retaining more
workers with disabilities than at any time in our Nation's history. In
addition, we are working to connect people with disabilities to jobs in
every part of our economy.
To get those jobs, students with disabilities need an education system
that works for them. We must ensure lessons are inclusive, assessments
are fair, and technology is accessible. We must rededicate ourselves to
building supportive classrooms and putting an end to bullying that all
too often targets young people with disabilities.
My Administration is bringing the same commitment to our health care
system. The Affordable Care Act already made it illegal for insurers to
deny coverage to children with disabilities because of pre-existing
conditions, medical history, or genetic information. On January 1, 2014,
the same will be true for all Americans. Alongside those protections, we
have strengthened Medicare and Medicaid and ramped up programs to
encourage community living and supportive services.
Together, we have come a long way toward ensuring equal opportunity for
all. On this anniversary, let us recommit to going the rest of the
distance. Let us enforce the ADA, promote disability rights at home and
abroad, and make America a place that values the contributions of all
our citizens--regardless of disability.
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 July 26, 2013, the
Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I encourage
Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of



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