[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 40 (Monday, October 8, 2001)]
[Pages 1414-1415]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7478--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2001

October 3, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Our Nation's annual observance of National Disability Employment 
Awareness Month allows us to reflect upon, and consider the potential 
possessed by, the millions of Americans with disabilities who currently 
serve in our workforce, as well as those who are ready and willing to 
join the workforce.

[[Page 1415]]

In keeping with this year's theme, ``Win with Ability,'' we recognize 
and salute the skills, creativity, and dedication of working people with 
disabilities and take appreciative note of their commitment to our 
Nation and its continued prosperity.
    When President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with 
Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, our Nation made a promise to no longer 
underestimate the abilities of disabled Americans. That Act, and its 
subsequent implementation, has liberated the energies and talents of 
millions of Americans with disabilities. We have seen evidence of 
progress in improved access to employment, public places, commercial 
facilities, information technology, telecommunication services, housing, 
schools, and polling places.
    Although America has made great progress since the signing of the 
ADA, many opportunities for further improvement still exist. My 
Administration is committed to tearing down any barriers that 
unreasonably prevent the full participation of Americans with 
disabilities. I proposed my New Freedom Initiative to help disabled 
Americans realize their dreams through meaningful and successful 
careers. I also have proposed programs that will give persons with 
disabilities greater access to technology, which will increase their 
productive capacity and allow some to work at home. My proposed programs 
will expand educational opportunities, facilitate the inclusion of 
people with disabilities into the workforce, and will allow increased 
participation in community life. I have signed an Executive Order 
requiring full implementation of the Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead 
Decision mandating that individuals with disabilities, who can receive 
support and treatment in a community setting, should be given a 
reasonable opportunity to live close to their families and friends, when 
appropriate.
    We can no longer accept the continued existence of barriers, whether 
physical or social, that unreasonably prevent persons with disabilities 
from full integration into our society. I ask every citizen to join me 
in recognizing and valuing the contributions that people with 
disabilities have made to our society and to commit to a collective 
effort that creates reasonable access for disabled persons to all that 
America has to offer.
    By joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 
121), the Congress has, each year since 1945, called upon this Nation to 
recognize the contributions that workers with disabilities have made, 
and requested the President to issue a proclamation calling for 
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2001, as National 
Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon government leaders, 
labor leaders, and employers to collaborate to ensure the full inclusion 
of our Nation's persons with disabilities in the 21st Century workforce.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 5, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 9.