[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9302 of July 24, 2015

Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
reaffirmed the idea that in America, all people are entitled to
participate

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fully in our economy and democracy. A law deeply rooted in the
principles of our Nation's founding, this landmark civil rights
legislation recognized that all Americans have something to contribute
to our country's story and deserve every chance to achieve their full
potential. For a quarter-century, our Nation has fought to realize this
law's enormous promise, and with hard work, we have helped expand what
is possible so more of our friends, colleagues, and family members can
live full and independent lives.
The product of tremendous effort, struggle, and sacrifice, the passage
of the ADA was a victory won by countless Americans who refused to
accept the world as it was and--against great odds--organized a
grassroots movement to enshrine the principle of equality into law. One
of the most comprehensive civil rights bills in the history of our
country, the ADA promises fairness, opportunity, and complete
participation in all aspects of American life for individuals with
disabilities. It secures each person's right to independence, and it
enables our society and our economy to benefit from the talents and
contributions of all Americans by clearing obstacles to employment,
transportation, public services, telecommunications, and public
accommodations.
Today, as we celebrate this important anniversary and honor all those
whose courage and dedication have driven our Nation's progress, we
recognize that our work to uphold the spirit and the letter of this law
is not yet finished. In communities throughout our country, barriers
that limit our neighbors' potential have been torn down, but too many
continue to encounter discrimination and structural inequalities that
prohibit them from pursuing their dreams. Young people with disabilities
continue to experience bullying in schools. Americans with disabilities
who want to and can work are too often denied the dignity of a job. And
many working Americans with disabilities still live below the poverty
line.
My Administration is committed to addressing the unique challenges
people with disabilities face as they seek to attain economic stability.
Americans with disabilities deserve access to quality health care,
affordable housing, inclusive financial institutions, and the innovative
technologies that are transforming our world. That is why we have
actively enforced the ADA, and why we have worked to toughen the
protections against disability-based discrimination, increase
accessibility in our communities, and expand opportunities for
employment, education, and financial independence for people with
disabilities. We have led by example within the Federal Government, and
I am proud that there are now more Americans with disabilities working
in Federal service than at any time in the past three decades. We
continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring
every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow.
And because we know disability rights are human rights, we are
championing protections and support for people with disabilities around
the world.
Disability touches all of us. More than 50 million Americans have a
disability, and living up to the principles of the ADA is an obligation
we all share. Every person deserves equal access, equal opportunity, and
equal respect, and we each must do our part to ensure our Nation's
promise is within the reach of all Americans. As we reflect on 25 years
of progress, let us reaffirm the inherent dignity and worth of

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every individual, and together, redouble our efforts to build a society
where all things are possible for all people.
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, 2015, the
Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I encourage
Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this
civil rights law and the many contributions of individuals with
disabilities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day
of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA