[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7600]

Proc. 7600

Proclamation 7600 of October 1, 2002

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          All of our citizens should have the opportunity to live and 
          work with dignity and freedom. Every October, we observe 
          National Disability Employment Awareness Month, to recognize 
          the talents, skills, and dedication of disabled Americans who 
          are a vital part of our workforce. During this

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          month, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that people with 
          disabilities who want to work can receive the training they 
          need to achieve their goal.
          This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Americans with 
          Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA has allowed disabled 
          persons to participate more fully in our society; and it has 
          opened doors for countless Americans by removing barriers, 
          improving employment opportunities, expanding government 
          services, and regulating public accommodations, 
          transportation, and telecommunications. Much work remains to 
          be done; for many individuals with disabilities still find it 
          difficult to pursue an education, obtain a job, or own a home.
          My Administration remains committed to helping America's more 
          than 50 million disabled persons to obtain meaningful work and 
          to achieve the ADA's promise of equality of opportunity, 
          independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Last year, 
          I announced my New Freedom Initiative to promote these goals. 
          It is a comprehensive plan that fosters the full participation 
          of people with disabilities in all aspects of American life. 
          This initiative provides increased access to innovative 
          assistive technologies, expands educational options, increases 
          access to gainful employment, and promotes full access to 
          community life.
          My Administration continues to enforce the ADA and is working 
          with employers to build partnerships that support creative job 
          accommodations and provide all Americans with meaningful and 
          successful careers. Breaking down barriers requires this kind 
          of cooperative, sustained, and consistent effort. We must 
          continue to work for an America where all individuals are 
          respected for who they are, celebrated for their abilities, 
          and encouraged to realize their full potential and achieve 
          their dreams.
          By joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 
          U.S.C. 121), the Congress has, each year since 1945, called 
          upon this Nation to recognize the contributions that workers 
          with disabilities have made, and requested the President to 
          issue a proclamation calling for appropriate ceremonies and 
          activities.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, do hereby proclaim October 2002 as National 
          Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon all 
          government leaders, labor leaders, and employers to 
          collaborate to ensure the full inclusion of our Nation's 
          persons with disabilities in the 21st century workforce.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day 
          of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of 
          the Independence of the United States of America the two 
          hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH