[Federal Register: July 29, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 146)]
[Presidential Documents]               
[Page 44131-44134]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jy08-108]                         


[[Page 44131]]

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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 8276--Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 
2008



Proclamation 8277--Parents' Day, 2008



Executive Order 13469--Blocking Property of Additional Persons 
Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe


                        Presidential Documents 




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Title 3--
The President

[[Page 44133]]

                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.

[[Page 44134]]

                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. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 08-1478
Filed 7-28-08; 8:45 am]

Billing code 3195-W8-P