National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2006

Proclamation 8060 of October 3, 2006

National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
we pay tribute to the accomplishments of the men and
women with disabilities whose work helps keep America's
economy strong, and we underscore our commitment to
ensuring equal employment opportunity for all of our
citizens.

Our country has made great progress to ensure that
opportunities are accessible to everyone who is willing
and able to work. Access to jobs was significantly
expanded in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush
signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into
law. This important legislation has served as a
foundation for strengthening our Nation's workforce and
advancing innovation and American leadership in a
global marketplace.

In 2001, my Administration announced the New Freedom
Initiative to build on the progress of the ADA and more
fully integrate men and women with disabilities into
all aspects of life. The New Freedom Initiative has
helped expand access to technology, training, and
education for citizens with disabilities. As a result,
those who have a disability and seek employment are
better able to compete for jobs. To assist in providing
additional access to employment opportunities, we have
also implemented the ``Ticket to Work'' program and
strengthened training and employment services at One-
Stop Career Centers. By visiting DisabilityInfo.gov,
individuals and employers can learn more about the
Federal Government's disability-related programs and
receive information and resources they need to help
achieve their personal and professional ambitions.

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 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, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim October 2006 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
third day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.