A joint resolution to designate the period commencing November 6, 1988, and ending November 12, 1988, as "National Disabled Americans Week".
PL 100-623 (S.J.Res.319), enacted 11/05/1988

102 STAT. 3202 
PUBLIC LAW 100-623—NOV. 5, 1988 
Public Law 100-623 
100th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Nov. 5, 1988 
To designate the period commencing November 6,1988, and ending November 12, 
[S.J. Res. 319] 
1988, as "National Disabled Americans Week". 
Whereas there are some 36 million Americans who have disabilities 
and over 25 percent of these disabled Americans have more than 
one disability; 
Whereas one out of every twelve Americans copes with some form of 
a disability; 
Whereas although nearly three out of every four Americans without 
a disability have at least a high-school education, just slightly 
more than one out of every two disabled Americans have a high 
school education; 
Whereas a disabled American is two and one-half times as likely to 
have an income that falls below the poverty line than an Amer-
ican without a disability; 
Whereas the population of disabled Americans will increase 
dramatically over the next two decades as the science of medical 
technology continues to improve upon its ability to prolong 
human life; 
Whereas disabilities increasingly affect Americans as they get older; 
Whereas one working-age black in every seven is disabled; 
Whereas there are 31 million Americans with some form of activity 
limitation; 
Whereas there are some 8.2 million Americans with a visual impair-
ment; 
Whereas there are some 17 million Americans with a hearing 
impairment; 
Whereas there are 18.4 million Americans with an orthopedic 
disability; 
Whereas some 4.2 percent of all American children under age 
twenty-one have a chronic activity limitation; 
Whereas 3 percent of all American school-aged children have learn-
ing disabilities; 
Whereas there are 50,000 American school-aged children under the 
age of 18 who have emotional or behavioral disabilities; 
Whereas 5 percent of American school-aged children have speech 
and language disabilities; 
Whereas most disabled Americans recognize that Federal laws en-
acted since the late 1960's have helped to give better opportunities 
to disabled Americans; 
Whereas most disabled Americans strongly endorse efforts by the 
Federal Government to enhance the lives of persons with 
disabilities; 
Whereas disabled Americans are not alone in their belief that they 
should be protected by law from discrimination; and 
Whereas the people of the United States can express their concern 
for all Americans who live with disabilities by recognizing the 
PUBLIC LAW 100-623—NOV. 5, 1988 
102 STAT. 3203 
right of disabled Americans to participate as integral members of 
our society: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled. That the period beginning 
November 6, 1988, and ending November 12, 1988, is designated as 
"National Disabled Americans Week", and the President of the 
United States is authorized and requested to issue a Proclamation 
calling upon the people of the United States to observe that week 
with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 
Approved November 5, 1988. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 319: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): 
July 26, considered and passed Senate. 
Oct. 21, considered and passed House.