ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2008

[Guest guest]

Presidential Proclamation on Americans with Disabilities Act

Bush underscores commitment to ensure individuals have equal

opportunities

http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-

english/2008/July/20080725173631eaifas0.8012659.html

ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2008

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped tear down

barriers for millions of people living with disabilities. On the

anniversary of this important legislation, our Nation underscores our

commitment to ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity

to realize their full potential.

On July 26, 1990, President H. W. Bush signed this

groundbreaking Act into law, better enabling citizens with

disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life. Over the

course of nearly two decades, this Act has made our schools and

workplaces more welcoming, helped change attitudes that once seemed

unchangeable, and expanded opportunity for many exceptional

Americans. The ADA is one of the most successful civil rights laws

in our history and has been an essential part of countless American

lives.

My Administration is committed to working to empower those with

disabilities so that all our people can achieve the American dream.

Building on the success of the ADA, the New Freedom Initiative of

2001 has had a positive impact for many of our citizens.

Technological advances have helped individuals gain greater access to

everyday life. Students with disabilities are given the tools they

need to succeed, and in the workplace, innovative hiring and

employment practices are helping to integrate Americans with

disabilities into the workforce. The Ticket to Work and AbilityOne

programs have helped them become more self-sufficient by expanding

access to employment. Our Nation has benefited from the progress we

have made since the enactment of the ADA, and it is our

responsibility to continue working toward a country where all people

are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

On this anniversary, we highlight our commitment to the ADA and

celebrate the progress that has been made toward full participation

of people with disabilities in our society.

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 July 26, 2008, as a

day in celebration of the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with

Disabilities Act. I call on all Americans to celebrate the vital

contributions of individuals with disabilities as we work towards

fulfilling the promise of the ADA to give all our citizens the

opportunity to live with dignity, work productively, and achieve

their dreams.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth

day of July, 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.

GEORGE W. BUSH