Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 6, 2009 / Presidential Documents 51223 

Proclamation 8426 of September 30, 2009 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2009 

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 


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51224 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 6, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. E9–24201 

Filed 10–5–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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