National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2008

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8298 of October 1, 2008

National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our
Nation's promise extends to all our citizens.

Millions of Americans live with disabilities, and many
other Americans will become disabled at some point in
their lives. To integrate people with disabilities more
fully into every aspect of life, our country is working
to advance greater freedoms at work, in schools, and
throughout communities. By expanding employment
opportunities and fighting false perceptions that
hinder people living with disabilities from joining the
workforce, we can uphold America's moral values,
strengthen our economy, and make America a more hopeful
place.

More than 7 years ago, my Administration announced the
New Freedom Initiative, which expanded upon the
landmark reforms of the Americans with Disabilities
Act. Since then, the Initiative has increased access
for people with disabilities through technology,
provided additional educational opportunities for
youth, and integrated more Americans into the
workforce. My Administration remains committed to
empowering all people to reach their full educational,
social, and professional goals. To learn more about the
Federal Government's disability-related programs,
please visit DisabilityInfo.gov.

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
2008 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
first day of October, 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.