[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 40 (Monday, October 9, 1995)]
[Pages 1784-1785]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6832--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1995

October 6, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    ``The strongest bond . . . outside of the family relation, should be 
one uniting all working people, of all nations, and tongues, and 
kindreds.'' Although written more than a century ago, Abraham Lincoln's 
words continue to express the ability of common purpose to transcend 
boundaries. As our Nation prepares for a new century and faces the 
demands of an increasingly global marketplace, this idea is more 
important than ever. We are called upon to value every citizen's unique 
gifts and to encourage all people to participate in moving our Nation 
forward.
    America's employees with disabilities have long been a part of this 
effort, distinguishing themselves in virtually every occupation and 
profession. Indeed, study after study has shown that workers with 
disabilities perform as well as, or better than, other members of the 
labor force on every factor measured. The typical cost of accommodating 
a person with a disability on the job is only $200, and this investment 
is amply repaid--wage earners with disabilities increase productivity 
and tax revenue, become consumers of goods and services, and reduce the 
burden on government welfare and entitlement programs.
    Yet despite their many contributions and successes, individuals with 
disabilities remain underrepresented in our Nation's work force. Fully 
two-thirds of all Americans of working age with severe disabilities are 
unemployed, though research indicates that two-thirds of that number 
want to work. We cannot allow this situation to continue, but must unite 
in a concerted effort to ensure that all people with disabilities have 
the opportunity to be integral, productive members of our society. 
Together, our Nation's employers and citizens with disabilities can form 
an unbeatable team equipped to advance an interest vital to our 
country--a sound and growing economy.
    To recognize the tremendous potential of individuals with 
disabilities and to encourage all Americans to work toward their 
integration and full inclusion in the work force, the Congress, by joint 
resolution, approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 155), has 
designated October of each year as ``National Disability Employment 
Awareness Month.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 1995 as National 
Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, 
educators, and the people of the United States to observe this month 
with appropriate programs and activities that reaffirm our determination 
to fulfill both the letter and the spirit of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:59 a.m., October 10, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 11.

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