[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 40 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Pages 1664-1665]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7600--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2002

 October 1, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    All of our citizens should have the opportunity to live and work 
with dignity and freedom. Every October, we observe National Disability 
Employment Awareness Month, to recognize the talents, skills, and 
dedication of disabled Americans who are a vital part of our workforce. 
During this month, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that people 
with disabilities who want to work can receive the training they need to 
achieve their goal.
    This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA has allowed disabled persons to 
participate more fully in our society; and it has opened doors for 
countless Americans by removing barriers, improving employment 
opportunities, expanding government services, and regulating public 
accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. Much work 
remains to be done; for many individuals with disabilities still find it 
difficult to pursue an education, obtain a job, or own a home.
    My Administration remains committed to helping America's more than 
50 million disabled persons to obtain meaningful work and to achieve the 
ADA's promise of equality of opportunity, independent living, and 
economic self-sufficiency. Last year, I announced my New Freedom 
Initiative to promote these goals. It is a comprehensive plan that 
fosters the full participation of people with disabilities in all 
aspects of American life. This initiative provides increased access to 
innovative assistive technologies, expands educational options, 
increases access to gainful employment, and promotes full access to 
community life.
    My Administration continues to enforce the ADA and is working with 
employers to build partnerships that support creative job accommodations 
and provide all Americans with meaningful and successful careers. 
Breaking down barriers requires this kind of cooperative, sustained, and 
consistent effort. We must continue to work for an America where all 
individuals are respected for who they are, celebrated for their 
abilities, and encouraged to realize their full potential and achieve 
their dreams.
    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, do hereby proclaim October 2002 as National Disability 
Employment Awareness Month. I call upon all 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 first day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 3, 
2002]

[[Page 1665]]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
4.