    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9938 of September 30, 2019

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate
    the contributions of Americans with disabilities to our country's
    workforce and economic strength. We also reaffirm our commitment to
    fostering opportunity for Americans of all abilities to apply their
    skills and talents in the workplace as they pursue their dreams.
    Thanks to my Administration's economic policies, we have seen the
    creation of more than 6.3 million new jobs since the election, providing
    tremendous opportunities for job seekers nationwide. In April, the
    national unemployment rate dropped to a near half-century low, and the
    unemployment rate for Americans with disabilities reached the lowest
    level on record. It is essential that we continue creating an
    environment in which Americans with disabilities have access to full
    participation in our economy and the ability to experience the benefits
    of employment.
    My Administration is working to expand opportunities to empower men and
    women with disabilities through apprenticeships. In March, the
    Department of Labor (DOL) announced the Apprenticeship Inclusion Model
    (AIM) initiative to expand career pathways leading to family-sustaining
    wages for individuals with disabilities. These efforts help Americans
    earn paychecks while also earning credentials and degrees. Together with
    employers, unions, and apprenticeship programs, AIM will improve the
    recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities and support
    the expansion of inclusive apprenticeship programs.
    States are in the best position to create real, lasting, and
    quantifiable change through solutions tailored to the economic and
    employment realities within their communities, especially for Americans
    with disabilities. Through the State Exchange on Employment and
    Disability initiative, we are helping States develop, implement, and
    promote policies to improve workforce inclusion for persons with
    disabilities, including veterans with service-related disabilities. Last
    year alone, this initiative engaged policymakers in 29 States to help
    advance employment opportunities and ensure that workforce development,
    transportation, and technology are disability-inclusive.

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    Employers, both public and private, are critical to our nationwide
    efforts to promote workplace access for individuals with disabilities.
    My Administration has launched a major initiative to encourage Federal
    contractors to take proactive steps to recruit, hire, retain, and
    advance people with disabilities. Additionally, two DOL programs, the
    Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion and the
    Job Accommodation Network, have helped tens of thousands of employers
    implement effective organizational policies and individual accommodation
    solutions that keep American workers on the job and contributing to our
    workplaces and economy. Automation and technology are changing the way
    in which work is organized and performed--and who can perform it. Many
    jobs will be open to new populations, particularly individuals with
    disabilities.
    This month, we renew our dedication to furthering the participation of
    Americans with disabilities in the workforce. We are grateful to all of
    our Nation's employers who hire individuals with disabilities, giving
    them the opportunity to excel as they provide for themselves and their
    families. By supporting the aspirations of all Americans who want to
    work, we will strengthen our workplaces, economy, and communities.
    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 2019 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 thirtieth day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP