National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2004

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 7835--National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2004

Proclamation 7836--National Forest Products Week, 2004

Executive Order 13359--Amendment to Executive Order 13173, Interagency
Task Force on the Economic Development of the Central San Joaquin
Valley

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7835 of October 20, 2004

National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans with disabilities are active and contributing
members of our society, and they must have the
opportunity to develop the skills they need to compete
and obtain jobs in the 21st century workforce. By
reducing physical barriers and false perceptions, our
country meets our commitment to millions of Americans
with disabilities, and benefits from their talents,
creativity, and hard work.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) has
brought about important progress in our Nation. Under
my Administration's New Freedom Initiative, we continue
to work to ensure that people with disabilities can
participate fully in the workplace and all aspects of
community life. Through funding for new technologies
and innovative resources, we are changing old ways of
thinking and fulfilling the Federal Government's
commitment to opportunity for every citizen.

The New Freedom Initiative has helped enable
individuals with disabilities to access assistive
technologies. My Administration has invested in
research and development for new technology. We have
expanded the Department of Defense's Computer/
Electronic Accommodations Program, which provides
Federal employees with disabilities greater access to
electronic and information technology. The Department
of Labor launched DisabilityInfo.gov in 2002, an online
resource that streamlines access to information about
Federally sponsored employment, job accommodations,
transportation, State and regional assistance programs,
technology, and other programs relevant to the daily
lives of individuals with disabilities.

We must foster a better understanding of ADA
requirements and increase dialogue and cooperation
between the business and disability communities.
Through the New Freedom Small Business Initiative, the
Department of Labor and the Small Business
Administration are educating small business owners
about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities
and helping adult workers with disabilities acquire the
skills and resources needed to become small business
owners. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is
releasing user-friendly information on how the ADA
applies to particular disabilities in the workplace and
providing free ADA workshops offering employment-
related services and information sessions for small
businesses. My Administration is implementing the
``Ticket to Work'' program, which allows Social
Security and Supplemental Security Income disability
beneficiaries who want to work to choose their own
employment-related services. The Department of Labor
and other agencies are also improving the capacity of
community One-Stop Career Centers to provide training
and employment services to people with disabilities.

To recognize the contributions of Americans with
disabilities and to encourage all citizens to ensure
equal opportunity in the workforce, the Congress, by
joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended
(36 U.S.C. 121), has designated October of each year as
``National Disability Employment Awareness Month.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
2004 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
I call upon Government officials, labor leaders,
employers, and the people of the United States to
observe this month with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B