National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2001

Proclamation 7478 of October 3, 2001

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 disabilities. 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B