[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 29 (Monday, July 28, 2008)]
[Pages 1023-1024]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8276--Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 
2008

 July 24, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped tear down 
barriers for millions of people living with disabilities. On the 
anniversary of this important legislation, our Nation underscores our 
commitment to ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to 
realize their full potential.
    On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed this 
groundbreaking Act into law, better enabling citizens with disabilities 
to participate fully in all aspects of life. Over the course of nearly 
two decades, this Act has made our schools and workplaces more 
welcoming, helped change attitudes that once seemed unchangeable, and 
expanded opportunity for many exceptional Americans. The ADA is one of 
the most successful civil rights laws in our history and has been an 
essential part of countless American lives.
    My Administration is committed to working to empower those with 
disabilities so that all our people can achieve the American dream. 
Building on the success of the ADA, the New Freedom Initiative of 2001 
has had a positive impact for many of our citizens. Technological 
advances have helped individuals gain greater access to everyday life. 
Students with disabilities are given the tools they need to succeed, and 
in the workplace, innovative hiring and employment practices are helping 
to integrate Americans with disabilities into the workforce. The Ticket 
to Work and AbilityOne programs have helped them become more self-
sufficient by expanding access to employment. Our Nation has benefited 
from the progress we have made since the enactment of the ADA, and it is 
our responsibility to continue working toward a country where all people 
are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
    On this anniversary, we highlight our commitment to the ADA and 
celebrate the

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progress that has been made toward full participation of people with 
disabilities in our society.
     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, 2008, as a 
day in celebration of the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act. I call on all Americans to celebrate the vital 
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-fourth 
day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., July 28, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on July 25, and it will be published in the Federal Register 
on July 29.