[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 40 (Monday, October 10, 2005)]
[Page 1484]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7937--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2005

 September 30, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Across America, individuals with disabilities are making important 
contributions in the workplace. This month, we celebrate their 
accomplishments and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the 
opportunities of America are available and accessible to every citizen.
    Fifteen years ago, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), reducing barriers for 
millions of Americans with disabilities and providing a mandate for the 
elimination of discrimination in the workplace and in the community. 
Since the ADA was enacted, people with disabilities have been able to 
participate more fully in the workforce, and our Nation has become 
stronger and more just. Yet more work remains, and we continue our 
efforts to enable Americans with disabilities to live and work with 
greater freedom.
    In the spirit of the ADA, my Administration's New Freedom Initiative 
has expanded access to assistive technologies, education, and 
opportunities for people with disabilities to integrate into the 
workforce. I signed into law legislation that improves the Individuals 
with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that our young people with 
disabilities are prepared for the many opportunities ahead. Through 
these and other efforts, we are working to ensure that Americans with 
disabilities can realize the promise of America.
    To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to 
encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce, the 
Congress, by joint resolution approved as amended (36 U.S.C. 121), has 
designated October of each year as ``National Disability Employment 
Awareness Month.''
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim October 2005 as National Disability 
Employment Awareness Month. I call upon Government officials, labor 
leaders, employers, and the people of the United States to observe this 
month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:56 a.m., October 4, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
5. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.