National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2018

Proclamation 9793 of September 28, 2018

National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
we recognize the achievements of Americans with
disabilities whose contributions in the workforce help
ensure the strength of our Nation. We also renew our
commitment to creating an environment of opportunity
for all Americans and educating people about disability
employment issues.

The American economy is roaring back as a result of my
Administration's economic policies, including the
enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the
elimination of unnecessary and burdensome regulations.
More than 4 million jobs have been created since my
election. On average, in 2018, more than 5.6 million
men and women with disabilities have been employed each
month, which is on pace to be the highest annual level
ever recorded. Earlier this year, the unemployment rate
for Americans with disabilities reached the lowest rate
ever recorded. These are positive indicators, and ones
that continue to highlight the incredible value that
individuals with disabilities offer to the workforce.

To accelerate this momentum and build on my promise to
America's workers, I signed an Executive Order
establishing the National Council for the American
Worker. This initiative will develop a national
strategy that guarantees American workers have the
ability to learn the skills needed to secure sustained
employment, especially in high-demand industries, such
as medicine, science, and technology. This national
strategy will outline policies to provide all
Americans, including Americans with disabilities, more
opportunities to work, earn competitive wages, and
connect with others worldwide.

My Administration has also taken action to address
disability employment issues, which includes
encouraging those with disabilities to engage in the
workforce, providing greater opportunities for their
involvement, and preventing workplace injuries from
occurring. For example, in September, the Department of
Labor awarded nearly $20 million in grants to eight
States for Retaining Employment and Talent after
Injury/Illness Network Demonstration (RETAIN) projects.
These projects develop innovative strategies that
enable Americans who are injured or ill to remain in or
return to the workforce. Each year, more than 3.5
million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses
occur at a cost of $170 billion to the economy. When an
illness or injury forces workers to discontinue
employment, the loss can be devastating to both the
workers and their families. RETAIN projects work
because timely, coordinated, and effective support can
help hundreds of thousands of workers who have been
injured or fallen ill remain in their jobs.

In addition to testing innovative policy solutions,
this year, the Department of Labor helped 44 States
adopt disability employment policies to meet their
workforce needs, and the Department of Labor's Job
Accommodation Network provided guidance on
accommodations for workplace success to nearly 50,000
employers and to individuals with disabilities. To
expand apprenticeship opportunities, the Department of
Labor has created inclusive apprenticeship tools for
job creators and more than 35,000 employers receive

help with recruiting and retaining workers with
disabilities through the Employer Assistance and
Resource Network on Disability Inclusion.

My Administration will continue these efforts, and
renews its commitment to creating more opportunities
for Americans with disabilities who want to provide for
themselves and their families and contribute to their
communities by participating in the workforce. My
Administration also reaffirms its support for all the
employers who hire Americans with disabilities,
providing opportunities for success. It is important
that all our Nation's job seekers and creators are both
empowered and motivated to partake in our booming
economy, and apply their unique talents and skills to
the growing 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, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
2018 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
I call upon government and labor leaders, employers,
and the great people of the United States to recognize
the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities across our land.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.