12 2 STA T .5368PROCL A M AT I O N 82 9 8 — OCT. 1 , 2 0 08 Proclam a ti o n829 8o fO cto be r 1, 2 0 08 Nation a lD i s a b ilit yEmp loym e nt Aw a r eness M ont h,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation DuringNat i o na l Di s a b ilit yEmp loym e nt Aw areness M ont h, we rea f firm our c ommitment to ensuring that our Nation ’ s promise e x ten d stoall our citi z ens . Millions of Americans li v e with disabilities, and many other Ameri - cans will become disabled at some point in their lives. T o integrate people with disabilities more fully into every aspect of life, our coun- try is wor k ing to advance greater freedoms at work, in schools, and throughout communities. B y expanding employment opportunities and fighting false perceptions that hinder people living with disabilities from j oining the workforce, we can uphold America’s moral values, strengthen our economy, and make America a more hopeful place. More than 7 years ago, my Administration announced the New F ree- dom I nitiative, which expanded upon the landmark reforms of the Americans with Disabilities Act. S ince then, the Initiative has in- creased access for people with disabilities through technology, pro- vided additional educational opportunities for youth, and integrated more Americans into the workforce. My Administration remains com- mitted to empowering all people to reach their full educational, social, and professional goals. To learn more about the Federal G overnment’s disability-related programs, please visit DisabilityInfo.gov. To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to encourage all citizens to ensure e q ual opportunity in the workforce, the C ongress has designated O ctober of each year (36U .S.C. 12 1 ) as ‘ ‘Na- tional Disability Employment Awareness Month.’’ NO W ,T H E R EFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, P resident of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 2 0 0 8 as National Dis- ability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon Government offi- cials, labor leaders, employers, and the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activi- ties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- third. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8299 of October 1, 2008 National Domesti cV iolence Awareness Month, 2008 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation has a moral obligation to work to prevent domestic vio- lence and address its brutal and destructive effects. During National
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