[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 30 (Monday, July 31, 2006)]
[Page 1388]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8037--Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 
2006

 July 25, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped fulfill the 
promise of America for millions of individuals living with disabilities. 
The anniversary of this landmark legislation is an important opportunity 
to celebrate our progress over the last 16 years and the many 
contributions individuals with disabilities make to our country.
    When President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law on July 26, 
1990, he called this legislation a ``dramatic renewal not only for those 
with disabilities but for all of us, because along with the precious 
privilege of being an American comes a sacred duty to ensure that every 
other American's rights are also guaranteed.'' The ADA's far-reaching 
reforms have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life 
for millions of Americans who must overcome considerable challenges each 
day in order to participate fully in all aspects of American life.
    My Administration continues to build on the progress of the ADA 
through the New Freedom Initiative. We have established an online 
connection to the Federal Government's disability-related information 
and resources at DisabilityInfo.gov, and the job training and placement 
services of the ``Ticket to Work'' program and One-Stop Career Centers 
are promoting greater employment opportunities. We are also expanding 
educational opportunities for children with disabilities, providing them 
with the tools they need for success in their classrooms, homes, and 
communities. In addition, we are fostering technological advancement and 
encouraging increased distribution of assistive technology to help 
people with disabilities live and work with greater independence. My 
Administration will continue its efforts to remove barriers confronting 
Americans with disabilities and their families so that every individual 
can realize their full potential.
    On this anniversary of the ADA, we underscore our commitment to 
ensuring that the fundamental promises of our democracy are accessible 
to all our citizens. As we strive to be a more caring and hopeful 
society, let us continue to show the character of America in our 
compassion for one another.
     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, 2006, as a 
day in celebration of the 16th Anniversary of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act. I call on all Americans to celebrate the many 
contributions of individuals with disabilities as we work towards 
fulfilling the promise of the ADA to give all our citizens the 
opportunity to live with dignity, work productively, and achieve their 
dreams.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., July 27, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on July 
28.