Remarks as Prepared for the Swearing-in Ceremony for Appointees of the President’s Committee

Good morning. Thanks, Charles, for the introduction. And thank you, Steven and Sally, for your remarks and for your hard work in leading this important committee.

And I’d also like to thank Casey and Judy for sharing their moving story.

I’m honored to be here today to swear in the newest members of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Each of our members brings their own unique account of how they’ve been affected by an intellectual disability. For some of you, this has been part of you or a loved one’s own personal journey and for others, it’s been a calling to which you’ve devoted your life and career to. And while you come from different parts of the country and share different experiences on a day-to-day basis, what joins you here at the White House today is your commitment to helping people with intellectual disabilities live full, happy and productive lives.

Over 54 million Americans today currently have a disability and about one in seven of them have an intellectual disability. Recognizing that this is an area that touches so many of our lives, the President has made it a priority to help Americans with disabilities overcome challenges and reach their greatest potential. Within three weeks of entering office, the President launched the New Freedom Initiative to help Americans with disabilities have greater access to technology and education, more opportunities to serve in the workforce, and the freedom participate in every aspect of community life.

In response to the President’s New Freedom Initiative, our Department created the Office on Disability in 2002 to oversee the implementation and coordination of disability programs. The director of the office, Dr. Giannini, is here with us today. Dr. Giannini, thank you for being here.

Another great program we have – a cornerstone of the New Freedom Initiative – is our Money Follows the Person grant program. Through CMS, we are awarding grants to those in need in a way that allows them to choose where they live and receive services.

And within each of our agencies and divisions – like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, and the National Institutes of Health – we have programs and policies to help Americans with disabilities on their roads to success.

All these accomplishments and remaining challenges are important, but the heart of the hope and potential for the millions of people with intellectual disabilities is the hard work of individuals. It’s the determination of people like you who are overcoming your own obstacles and pressing forward. It’s the generosity of people like you who are volunteering on weekends and setting up foundations to assist neighbors in need. And it’s because of your vision and hard work, and the countless Americans you represent, that we are here to recognize and honor this committee today. So as you prepare to take this oath, I want to thank you for accepting this call to serve our Nation. Your work will make a real difference and will help Americans with intellectual disabilities enjoy even greater freedoms and opportunities.