[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 40 (Monday, October 9, 2006)]
[Page 1733]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 8060--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2006

 October 3, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we pay 
tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities 
whose work helps keep America's economy strong, and we underscore our 
commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunity for all of our 
citizens.
    Our country has made great progress to ensure that opportunities are 
accessible to everyone who is willing and able to work. Access to jobs 
was significantly expanded in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush 
signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. This 
important legislation has served as a foundation for strengthening our 
Nation's workforce and advancing innovation and American leadership in a 
global marketplace.
    In 2001, my Administration announced the New Freedom Initiative to 
build on the progress of the ADA and more fully integrate men and women 
with disabilities into all aspects of life. The New Freedom Initiative 
has helped expand access to technology, training, and education for 
citizens with disabilities. As a result, those who have a disability and 
seek employment are better able to compete for jobs. To assist in 
providing additional access to employment opportunities, we have also 
implemented the ``Ticket to Work'' program and strengthened training and 
employment services at One-Stop Career Centers. By visiting 
DisabilityInfo.gov, individuals and employers can learn more about the 
Federal Government's disability-related programs and receive information 
and resources they need to help achieve their personal and professional 
ambitions.
    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, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2006 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 third day of 
October, 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, 11:47 a.m., October 4, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
5.