Did you know?....

........Effective immediately it is acceptable for a person with a State of Tennessee issued handicapped placard or license plate to park in any available handicapped spot on the ORNL site to include those located inside the controlled area (fenceline). These personnel do not require a parking permit or vehicle pass for this.

........Employees with disabilities and veterans may Self-Identify at ORNL and update their record on veteran and/or disability status by using form ORNL-303, Employee Self-Identification Program for Veterans and Persons with Disabilities or by contacting their supervisor or the EEO/Diversity Office. All information submitted will be considered confidential. It will be used only to comply with federal laws and regulations. Refusal to provide the information will not subject any employee to adverse treatmnent; however, refusal to self-identify could result in hardship caused by lack of reasonable accommodation(s).

........Arturo Toscanini was one of the greatest orchestra conductors who ever lived. He was also handicapped by being very nearsighted. At age nineteen he was playing cello in a small European orchestra. Since he couldn't see the music on the stand, he had to memorize it. One day the orchestra leader became ill and young Toscanini was the only member of the orchestra who knew the score from memory. So he conducted that evening and the audience gave him a good hand.....and audiences kept on doing it. Toscanini was not only a great conductor, he was also a great example. He refused to be held back by what many would call a great handicap. Toscanini turned his handicap into an opportunity and this made life better for him and those around him.

All of our citizens should have the opportunity to live and work with dignity and freedom. Every October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, to recognize the talents, skills, and dedication of disabled Americans who are a vital part of our workforce. During this month, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities who want to work can receive the training they need to achieve their goal.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA has allowed disabled persons to participate more fully in our society; and it has opened doors for countless Americans by removing barriers, improving employment opportunities, expanding government services, and regulating public accommodations, transportation, and telecom-munications. Much work remains to be done; for many individuals with disabilities still find it difficult to pursue an education, obtain a job, or own a home.

My Administration remains committed to helping America's more than 50 million disabled persons to obtain meaning-ful work and to achieve the ADA's promise of equality of oppor-tunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Last year, I announced my New Freedom Initiative to promote these goals. It is a comprehensive plan that fosters the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of American life. This initiative provides increased access to innovative assistive technologies, expands educational options, increases access to gainful employment, and promotes full access to community life.

My Administration continues to enforce the ADA and is working with employers to build partnerships that support creative job accommodations and provide all Americans with meaningful and successful careers. Breaking down barriers requires this kind of cooperative, sustained, and consistent effort. We must continue to work for an America where all individuals are respected for who they are, celebrated for their abilities, and encouraged to realize their full potential and achieve their dreams.

By joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 121), the Congress has, each year since 1945, called upon this Nation to recognize the contributions that workers with disabilities have made, and requested the President to issue a proclamation calling for appropriate ceremonies and activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 2002 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon all government leaders, labor leaders, and employers to collaborate to ensure the full inclusion of our Nation's persons with disabilities in the 21st century workforce.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH

National Organization on Disability
American Disability Association
Disability Access Symbols
Cutting Edge Disability Resources
Family Village--A Global Community of Disability Related Resources
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
Tennessee Disability Coalition
Tennessee Association for Disability Rights
Disability Resources on the Net
Tennessee Anytime
Disability Resources Center-Knoxville
Understanding the Steps in the Social Security Disability Process
Wheelchair Basketall-Tennessee
East Tennessee Technology Access Center