[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9628 of July 25, 2017

Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we
celebrate the landmark legislation that marks our Nation's commitment to
ending discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA's
recognition of the inherent dignity of disabled persons solidified
America's status as the world leader in protecting fundamental rights.
Today, we pay special respect to the contributions of the more than 56

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million Americans living with disabilities, and we look forward to
further advancing accessibility for all those who need it.
President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA on July 26, 1990, and for 27
years it has been instrumental in protecting the rights and liberties of
people with disabilities and strengthening their access to everyday
American life. Disabilities are an unavoidable part of the human
experience--veterans injured in service to their Nation, survivors of
accidents and illnesses, children born with disabilities, and our
elderly. Since its inception, the ADA has helped empower people living
with disabilities by ensuring they have fair and just access to
employment, government services, public accommodations, commercial
facilities, and public transportation.
Americans are justifiably proud of the ADA and its accomplishments, but
more can be done to protect the rights and dignity of Americans living
with disabilities. Disabled Americans in the workforce already
contribute substantially to our Nation's productivity and prosperity. We
must continue to empower them by breaking down obstacles that prevent
their full participation in the public and economic affairs of our
Nation. In addition, my Administration will encourage American ingenuity
and technological advancements in medicine and science, which will give
millions of Americans with disabilities opportunities to work, engage in
commerce, and connect with others in ways we could not have imagined 27
years ago.
On the anniversary of the ADA, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering
an environment that provides all Americans with the opportunity to
pursue their American dream. Let us all take this time to refocus our
efforts to support our fellow Americans and help them succeed, no matter
the obstacles they may face.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2017, as a
day in celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities that celebrate the contributions
of Americans with disabilities and to renew our commitment to achieving
the promise of our freedom for all Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP