[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 39 (Monday, October 6, 2008)]
[Pages 1286-1287]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8298--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2008

 October 1, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we reaffirm 
our commitment to ensuring that our Nation's promise extends to all our 
citizens.
    Millions of Americans live with disabilities, and many other 
Americans will become disabled at some point in their lives. To 
integrate people with disabilities more fully into every aspect of life, 
our country is working to advance greater freedoms at work, in schools, 
and throughout communities. By expanding employment opportunities and 
fighting false perceptions that hinder people living with disabilities 
from joining the workforce, we can uphold America's moral values, 
strengthen our economy, and make America a more hopeful place.
    More than 7 years ago, my Administration announced the New Freedom 
Initiative, which expanded upon the landmark reforms of the Americans 
with Disabilities Act. Since then, the Initiative has increased access 
for people with disabilities through technology, provided additional 
educational opportunities for youth, and integrated more Americans into 
the workforce. My Administration remains committed to empowering all 
people to reach their full educational, social, and professional goals. 
To learn more about the Federal Government's disability-related 
programs, please visit DisabilityInfo.gov.
    To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to 
encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce, the 
Congress has designated October of each year (36 U.S.C. 121) as 
``National Disability Employment Awareness Month.''
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim October 2008 as National Disability 
Employment Awareness Month. I call upon Government officials, labor 
leaders, employers, and the people of the United

[[Page 1287]]

States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
October, 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., October 3, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
6.