Bill Clinton: “Act July 26, 1999 Today I join citizens across the country in celebrating the ninth anniversary of the Americans with…”

“Act July 26, 1999 Today I join citizens across the country in celebrating the ninth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the past, many Americans have presumed that disability meant a life of dependence. Now, we recognize that people with disabilities want to, and can lead independent lives and contribute to our Nation's prosperity. Throughout our administration, Vice President Gore and I have endeavored to empower individuals with the tools they need to bring their tremendous energy and talent to the American work force. My Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities is building on the foundation of the ADA by developing a coordinated and active employment agenda for people with disabilities. We have taken strong action to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities, including implementing new regulations that increase the amount of income that over 250,000 Americans with disabilities can earn while still receiving critical cash and medical benefits, instituting new steps to remove Federal hiring barriers for people with mental illness, and directing the Office of Personnel Management to develop a plan for Federal hiring of people with disabilities. And under the leadership of Tipper Gore, we are beginning to address the stigma and discrimination confronted by people with psychiatric disabilities. I am proud of the actions that this administration has taken to fully integrate Americans with disabilities into the workplace.…”