    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9793 of September 28, 2018

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the
    achievements of Americans with disabilities whose contributions in the
    workforce help ensure the strength of our Nation. We also renew our
    commitment to creating an environment of opportunity for all Americans
    and educating people about disability employment issues.
    The American economy is roaring back as a result of my Administration's
    economic policies, including the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
    and the elimination of unnecessary and burdensome regulations. More than
    4 million jobs have been created since my election. On average, in 2018,
    more than 5.6 million men and women with disabilities have been employed
    each month, which is on pace to be the highest annual level ever
    recorded. Earlier this year, the unemployment rate for Americans with
    disabilities reached the lowest rate ever recorded. These are positive
    indicators, and ones that continue to highlight the incredible value
    that individuals with disabilities offer to the workforce.
    To accelerate this momentum and build on my promise to America's
    workers, I signed an Executive Order establishing the National Council
    for the American Worker. This initiative will develop a national
    strategy that guarantees American workers have the ability to learn the
    skills needed to secure sustained employment, especially in high-demand
    industries, such as medicine, science, and technology. This na

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    tional strategy will outline policies to provide all Americans,
    including Americans with disabilities, more opportunities to work, earn
    competitive wages, and connect with others worldwide.
    My Administration has also taken action to address disability employment
    issues, which includes encouraging those with disabilities to engage in
    the workforce, providing greater opportunities for their involvement,
    and preventing workplace injuries from occurring. For example, in
    September, the Department of Labor awarded nearly $20 million in grants
    to eight States for Retaining Employment and Talent after Injury/Illness
    Network Demonstration (RETAIN) projects. These projects develop
    innovative strategies that enable Americans who are injured or ill to
    remain in or return to the workforce. Each year, more than 3.5 million
    nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses occur at a cost of $170
    billion to the economy. When an illness or injury forces workers to
    discontinue employment, the loss can be devastating to both the workers
    and their families. RETAIN projects work because timely, coordinated,
    and effective support can help hundreds of thousands of workers who have
    been injured or fallen ill remain in their jobs.
    In addition to testing innovative policy solutions, this year, the
    Department of Labor helped 44 States adopt disability employment
    policies to meet their workforce needs, and the Department of Labor's
    Job Accommodation Network provided guidance on accommodations for
    workplace success to nearly 50,000 employers and to individuals with
    disabilities. To expand apprenticeship opportunities, the Department of
    Labor has created inclusive apprenticeship tools for job creators and
    more than 35,000 employers receive help with recruiting and retaining
    workers with disabilities through the Employer Assistance and Resource
    Network on Disability Inclusion.
    My Administration will continue these efforts, and renews its commitment
    to creating more opportunities for Americans with disabilities who want
    to provide for themselves and their families and contribute to their
    communities by participating in the workforce. My Administration also
    reaffirms its support for all the employers who hire Americans with
    disabilities, providing opportunities for success. It is important that
    all our Nation's job seekers and creators are both empowered and
    motivated to partake in our booming economy, and apply their unique
    talents and skills to the growing workforce.
    The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended
    (36 U.S.C. 121), has designated October of each year as ``National
    Disability Employment Awareness Month.'';
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim October 2018 as National Disability
    Employment Awareness Month. I call upon government and labor leaders,
    employers, and the great people of the United States to recognize the
    month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities across our
    land.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
    of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP