[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 40 (Monday, October 8, 2007)]
[Page 1275]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8182--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2007

 September 28, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to 
recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Americans with 
disabilities and to underscore our Nation's commitment to advancing 
employment opportunities for all our citizens.
    Americans with disabilities strengthen our country's workforce, and 
their achievements help keep our Nation the world's economic leader. 
Landmark reforms such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
have helped to ensure that individuals with disabilities are better able 
to engage in productive work and participate fully in the life of our 
Nation. It is important that we continue to expand on these 
opportunities for Americans with disabilities by eliminating the 
barriers and false perceptions that hinder them from joining the 
workforce. By enhancing the workplace environment for people with 
disabilities, employers can help provide access to jobs that allow these 
individuals to demonstrate their potential and realize their dreams.
    Since 2001, my New Freedom Initiative has helped promote the full 
participation of people with disabilities in all areas of society, 
including education, training, and employment. Programs such as ``Ticket 
to Work'' and services at One-Stop Career Centers have helped improve 
access to employment training and placement services for individuals who 
want to work. Throughout the Federal Government, we have worked to 
improve access to jobs for individuals with disabilities and to promote 
greater inclusiveness in the workforce. Individuals and employers can 
learn more about the Federal Government's disability-related programs by 
visiting DisabilityInfo.gov. We will continue to build on the progress 
that has been made for individuals with disabilities and will work to 
ensure that our Nation remains a place of opportunity for all Americans.
    To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to 
encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce, the 
Congress (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 2007 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 twenty-eighth 
day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:49 a.m., October 2, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 29, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on October 3.