White House Announces Disability Employment Awareness Month

White House Announces Disability Employment Awarness Month

From THE WHITE HOUSE

White House Emblem Large

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release September 30, 2009
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2009

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Fair access to employment is a fundamental right of every American,
including the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities. A
job can provide financial stability, help maximize our potential, and allow
us to achieve our dreams. As Americans, we possess a range of vocational
opportunities to make the most of our talents and succeed in a chosen
career; those with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves
to implementing effective policies and practices that increase employment
opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

In the past half-century, we have made great strides toward providing equal
employment opportunities in America, but much work remains to be done. As
part of that continuing effort, we must seek to provide opportunities for
individuals with disabilities. Only then can Americans with disabilities
achieve full participation in the workforce and reach the height of their
ambition.

My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every
American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its
contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies
and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their
full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities
are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support
and services they need to succeed.

Recognizing the need for equal employment opportunities, we must also
strengthen and expand the educational opportunities for individuals with
disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially
increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and
provided more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services,
including job training, education, and placement. If we are to build a world
free from unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination, we must
ensure that every American receives an education that prepares him or her
for future success.

Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and
shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through
personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or
colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity
conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families
through productive work. This month, we rededicate ourselves to fostering an
inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified
employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America,
by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of
the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to celebrate the
contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and
communities, and to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities
to create a better, more inclusive America, one in which every person is
rightly recognized for his or her abilities and accomplishments.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA