Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2008

Proclamation 8276 of July 24, 2008

Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped
tear down barriers for millions of people living with
disabilities. On the anniversary of this important
legislation, our Nation underscores our commitment to
ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity
to realize their full potential.

On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed
this groundbreaking Act into law, better enabling
citizens with disabilities to participate fully in all
aspects of life. Over the course of nearly two decades,
this Act has made our schools and workplaces more
welcoming, helped change attitudes that once seemed
unchangeable, and expanded opportunity for many
exceptional Americans. The ADA is one of the most
successful civil rights laws in our history and has
been an essential part of countless American lives.

My Administration is committed to working to empower
those with disabilities so that all our people can
achieve the American dream. Building on the success of
the ADA, the New Freedom Initiative of 2001 has had a
positive impact for many of our citizens. Technological
advances have helped individuals gain greater access to
everyday life. Students with disabilities are given the
tools they need to succeed, and in the workplace,
innovative hiring and employment practices are helping
to integrate Americans with disabilities into the
workforce. The Ticket to Work and AbilityOne programs
have helped them become more self-sufficient by
expanding access to employment. Our Nation has
benefited from the progress we have made since the
enactment of the ADA, and it is our responsibility to
continue working toward a country where all people are
treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

On this anniversary, we highlight our commitment to the
ADA and celebrate the progress that has been made
toward full participation of people with disabilities
in our society.

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, 2008, as a day in
celebration of the 18th 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 eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.