National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2001 By the
President of the United States of America A Proclamation
Our Nation's annual observance of National Disability Employment
Awareness Month allows us to reflect upon, and consider the potential possessed
by, the millions of Americans with disabilities who currently serve in our
workforce, as well as those who are ready and willing to join the workforce. In
keeping with this year's theme, "Win with Ability," we recognize and salute the
skills, creativity, and dedication of working people with disabilities and take
appreciative note of their commitment to our Nation and its continued
prosperity.
When President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) in 1990, our Nation made a promise to no longer underestimate the
abilities of disabled Americans-. That Act, and its subsequent implementation,
has liberated the energies and talents of millions of Americans with
dis-abilities. We have seen evidence of progress in improved access to
employment, public places, commercial facilities, information technology,
telecommunication services, housing, schools, and polling places.
Although America has made great progress since the signing of the ADA,
many opportunities for further improvement still exist. My Administration is
committed to tearing down any barriers that unreasonably prevent the full
participation of Americans with disabilities. I proposed my New Freedom
Initiative to help disabled Americans realize their dreams through meaningful
and successful careers. I also have proposed programs that will give persons
with disabilities greater access to technology, which will increase their
productive capacity and allow some to work at home. My proposed programs will
expand educational opportunities, facilitate the inclusion of people with
disabilities into the workforce, and will allow increased participation in
community life. I have signed an Executive Order requiring full implementation
of the Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead Decision mandating that individuals with
disabilities, who can receive support and treatment in a community setting,
should be given a reasonable opportunity to live close to their families and
friends, when appropriate.
We can no longer accept the continued existence of barriers, whether
physical or social, that unreasonably prevent persons with disabilities from
full integration into our society. I ask every citizen to join me in
recognizing and valuing the contributions that people with disabilities have
made to our society and to commit to a collective effort that creates
reasonable access for disabled persons to all that America has to offer.
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, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws
of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2001, as National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. I call upon 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 third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
|