National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1995

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 6832--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1995

Proclamation 6833--National Children's Day, 1995

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 6832 of October 6, 1995

National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

``The strongest bond . . . outside of the family
relation, should be one uniting all working people, of
all nations, and tongues, and kindreds.'' Although
written more than a century ago, Abraham Lincoln's
words continue to express the ability of common purpose
to transcend boundaries. As our Nation prepares for a
new century and faces the demands of an increasingly
global marketplace, this idea is more important than
ever. We are called upon to value every citizen's
unique gifts and to encourage all people to participate
in moving our Nation forward.

America's employees with disabilities have long been a
part of this effort, distinguishing themselves in
virtually every occupation and profession. Indeed,
study after study has shown that workers with
disabilities perform as well as, or better than, other
members of the labor force on every factor measured.
The typical cost of accommodating a person with a
disability on the job is only $200, and this investment
is amply repaid--wage earners with disabilities
increase productivity and tax revenue, become consumers
of goods and services, and reduce the burden on
government welfare and entitlement programs.

Yet despite their many contributions and successes,
individuals with disabilities remain underrepresented
in our Nation's work force. Fully two-thirds of all
Americans of working age with severe disabilities are
unemployed, though research indicates that two-thirds
of that number want to work. We cannot allow this
situation to continue, but must unite in a concerted
effort to ensure that all people with disabilities have
the opportunity to be integral, productive members of
our society. Together, our Nation's employers and
citizens with disabilities can form an unbeatable team
equipped to advance an interest vital to our country--a
sound and growing economy.

To recognize the tremendous potential of individuals
with disabilities and to encourage all Americans to
work toward their integration and full inclusion in the
work force, the Congress, by joint resolution, approved
August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 155), has
designated October of each year as ``National
Disability Employment Awareness Month.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
1995 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
I call upon government officials, educators, and the
people of the United States to observe this month with
appropriate programs and activities that reaffirm our
determination to fulfill both the letter and the spirit
of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.