[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9471 of July 25, 2016

Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On July 26, 1990, our Nation marked a pivotal moment in history for
Americans with disabilities. Fueled by a chorus of voices who refused to
accept a second-class status and driven by a movement that recog

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nized that our country is stronger and more vibrant when we draw on the
talents of all our people, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
enshrined into law the notion that Americans living with disabilities
deserve to participate in our society free from discrimination. Twenty-
six years later, as we mark this anniversary, we recognize all this
milestone law has made possible for the disability community.
The ADA sought to guarantee that the places we share--from schools and
workplaces to stadiums and parks--truly belong to everyone. It reflects
our Nation's full commitment to the rights and independence of people
with disabilities, and it has paved the way for a more inclusive and
equal society. For the 6.5 million students and the approximately 50
million adults living with mental or physical disabilities, the ADA has
swung open doors and empowered each of them to make of their lives what
they will.
Building on this progress is a priority for my Administration. The
Federal Government has taken the lead in creating meaningful employment
opportunities for people with disabilities. In my first term, I issued
an Executive Order that called on Federal agencies and contractors to
hire more people with disabilities--and today, more Americans with
disabilities are working in Federal service than at any time in the last
three decades. My Administration has vigorously enforced the Supreme
Court's ruling in the Olmstead decision--which determined that, under
the ADA, people with disabilities cannot be unnecessarily segregated--
and worked to deliver on the promise that individuals with disabilities
have access to integrated, community-based services. The Affordable Care
Act affirmed that Americans with pre-existing conditions can no longer
be denied health insurance, and this year, we made it clear that health
care providers must offer reasonable accommodations and ensure effective
communication for individuals with disabilities in order to advance
health equity and reduce health care disparities.
As we commemorate this progress, we know our work to expand opportunity
and confront the stigma that persists surrounding disabilities is not
yet finished: We have to address the injustices that linger and remove
the barriers that remain. Too many people with disabilities are still
unemployed and lack access to skills training or are not paid fairly for
their work. We must continue increasing graduation rates for students
with disabilities to give them every chance to receive the education and
training they need to pursue their dreams. We must make the information
and communication technologies we rely on accessible for all people, and
ensure their needs are considered and incorporated as we advance the
tools of modern life. And we must keep fighting for more consistent and
effective enforcement of the ADA in order to prevent discrimination in
public services and accommodations.
At a time when so many doubted that people with disabilities could
contribute to our economy or support their families, the ADA assumed
they could, and guided the way forward. Today, as we reflect on the
courage and commitment of all who made this achievement possible, let us
renew our obligation to extend the promise of the American dream to all
our people, and let us recommit to building a world free of unnecessary
barriers and full of deeper understanding of those living with
disabilities.

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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, 2016, the
Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I encourage
Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 26th 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-fifth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA