Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 2007

Proclamation 8163 of July 24, 2007

Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities
Act, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), we celebrate our progress towards an America
where individuals with disabilities are recognized for
their talents and contributions to our society. We also
underscore our commitment to extend the full liberties
and freedoms of our great country to all Americans.

Seventeen years ago, President George H. W. Bush signed
the ADA into law. This legislation became one of the
most successful and compassionate reforms in our
Nation's history, helping to ensure that individuals
with disabilities are better able to develop meaningful
skills, engage in productive work, and participate
fully in the life of our Nation.

My Administration continues our work to build on this
landmark legislation. In 2001, I announced the New
Freedom Initiative to promote the full participation of
people with disabilities in all areas of society by
improving educational and employment opportunities,
increasing access to assistive technologies, expanding
transportation options, and promoting homeownership and
integration into daily community life. The New Freedom
Initiative and the ADA provide children with
disabilities the tools they need to succeed in schools
and communities. Working men and women living with
disabilities contribute to our strong economy, and the
``Ticket to Work'' program and services at One-Stop
Career Centers help expand employment opportunities.
The DisabilityInfo.gov website connects individuals
with disabilities and their families to vital
information that helps more Americans share in the
promises of our Nation.

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 July 26, 2007, as a day in
celebration of the 17th Anniversary of the Americans
with Disabilities Act. I call on all Americans to
celebrate the vital contributions of individuals with
disabilities as we work towards fulfilling the promise
of the ADA to give all our citizens the opportunity to
live with dignity, work productively, and achieve their
dreams.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.