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

 
PROCLAMATION 9030--SEPT. 30, 2013

Proclamation 9030 of September 30, 2013

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our Nation has always drawn its strength from the differences of our
people, from a vast range of thought, experience, and ability. Every
day, Americans with disabilities enrich our communities and busi-


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nesses. They are leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, each with unique
talents to contribute and points of view to express. During National
Disability Employment Awareness Month, we nurture our culture of
diversity and renew our commitment to building an American workforce
that offers inclusion and opportunity for all.
Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we have made
great progress in removing barriers for hardworking Americans. Yet
today, only 20 percent of Americans with disabilities, including
veterans who became disabled while serving our country, participate in
our labor force. We need their talent, dedication, and creativity, which
is why my Administration proudly supports increased employment
opportunities for people with disabilities. To that end, I remain
dedicated to implementing Executive Order 13548, which called on Federal
agencies to increase recruitment, hiring, and retention of people with
disabilities. As a result of our efforts, the Federal Government is
hiring people with disabilities at a higher rate than at any point in
over three decades. Most recently, we updated the rules to make sure
Federal contractors and subcontractors are doing more to recruit, hire,
and promote qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled
veterans. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, States are taking
advantage of new options to support and expand home and community-based
services.
In the years to come, I will remain committed to ensuring the Federal
Government leads by example. This year, as we mark the 40th anniversary
of the Rehabilitation Act, I will continue to marshal the full resources
of my Administration toward effective and comprehensive implementation.
If we swing wide the doors of opportunity for our family, friends, and
neighbors with disabilities, all of us will enjoy the benefits of their
professional contributions. This month, let us uphold the ideals of
equal access, equal opportunity, and a level playing field for all
Americans.
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 2013 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
September, 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