Presidential Documents

44133 

Federal Register 

Vol. 73, No. 146 

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8276 of July 24, 2008 

Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2008 

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 George 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. 


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44134 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 146 / Tuesday, July 29, 2008 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 08–1478 

Filed 7–28–08; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W8–P 


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