[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

[[Page 5855]]

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