National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2002

Proclamation 7600 of October 1, 2002

National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

All of our citizens should have the opportunity to live
and work with dignity and freedom. Every October, we
observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
to recognize the talents, skills, and dedication of
disabled Americans who are a vital part of our
workforce. During this month, we reaffirm our
commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities
who want to work can receive the training they need to
achieve their goal.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA has
allowed disabled persons to participate more fully in
our society; and it has opened doors for countless
Americans by removing barriers, improving employment
opportunities, expanding government services, and
regulating public accommodations, transportation, and
telecommunications. Much work remains to be done; for
many individuals with disabilities still find it
difficult to pursue an education, obtain a job, or own
a home.

My Administration remains committed to helping
America's more than 50 million disabled persons to
obtain meaningful work and to achieve the ADA's promise
of equality of opportunity, independent living, and
economic self-sufficiency. Last year, I announced my
New Freedom Initiative to promote these goals. It is a
comprehensive plan that fosters the full participation
of people with disabilities in all aspects of American
life. This initiative provides increased access to
innovative assistive technologies, expands educational
options, increases access to gainful employment, and
promotes full access to community life.

My Administration continues to enforce the ADA and is
working with employers to build partnerships that
support creative job accommodations and provide all
Americans with meaningful and successful careers.
Breaking down barriers requires this kind of
cooperative, sustained, and consistent effort. We must
continue to work for an America where all individuals
are respected for who they are, celebrated for their
abilities, and encouraged to realize their full
potential and achieve their dreams.

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, do hereby proclaim October
2002 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
I call upon all 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
first day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B