[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 31 (Monday, August 2, 2004)]
[Pages 1380-1381]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7804--Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 
2004

 July 26, 2004

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) marked a milestone 
in our Nation's quest to guarantee the civil rights of all citizens. The 
ADA is a success story that has strengthened the foundation for an 
America where we celebrate the talents and abilities of every person.
    On the 14th anniversary of this landmark legislation, we recognize 
the important progress the ADA has brought about for our citizens and 
our Nation. Today, individuals with disabilities are better able to 
develop meaningful skills, engage in productive work,

[[Page 1381]]

and participate fully in society. Yet, our work is not finished. The 
millions of Americans with disabilities continue to face both physical 
barriers and false perceptions. Removing those obstacles requires a 
determined and focused commitment to the goals of the ADA: equality of 
opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, full participation, and 
independent living.
    My Administration continues its work to achieve these goals. My New 
Freedom Initiative, announced in February 2001, sets out a comprehensive 
strategy for the full integration of people with disabilities into all 
aspects of American life. The Department of Justice has established the 
ADA Business Connection to build partnerships between the business 
community and people with disabilities. This program helps increase 
voluntary compliance with the ADA and brings individuals with 
disabilities into the mainstream of our economy. Through Project Civic 
Access, we have reached agreements with cities and towns across the 
country to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated into 
community life. In addition, I have signed executive orders that remove 
barriers to equal opportunities faced by people with disabilities.
    On July 22, 2004, I signed an Executive Order that makes government 
agencies responsible for properly taking into account agency employees 
and customers with disabilities in emergency preparedness planning and 
coordination with other government entities. To help coordinate this 
effort, the Executive Order establishes the Interagency Coordinating 
Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities.
    I also signed an Executive Order on February 24, 2004, to improve 
transportation for people who are transportation-disadvantaged, 
including people with disabilities. This order helps Federally assisted 
community transportation services provide seamless, comprehensive, and 
accessible transportation services to people who rely on transportation 
services for their lives and livelihood.
    My Administration has also begun implementing the recommendations of 
the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The Commission was 
established by Executive Order and its report lays out steps that can be 
taken to improve mental health services and support for people of all 
ages with mental illness.
    By striving to ensure that no American is denied access to 
employment, education, cultural activities, or community life because of 
a disability, we strengthen our Nation. Through these and other efforts, 
we will continue to build on the progress of the ADA, and, by doing so, 
hold fast to our Nation's faith in the promise and potential of every 
person.
    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 July 26, 2004, as a day in 
celebration of the 14th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities 
Act. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the contributions people 
with disabilities make to America and to renew our commitment to 
upholding the fundamental principles of the Americans with Disabilities 
Act.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth 
day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:09 a.m., July 29, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on July 
30.