Transcript of Letter From President George W. Bush
August 21, 2001

The White House
Washington, DC
Crawford, Texas

I am pleased to send warm greetings to all those participating in Disability Mentoring Day; Career Development for the 21st Century, hosted by the American Association of People with disabilities (AAPD) and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities.

For the prosperity and good of all our citizens, we must continue working to ensure that no one is dismissed or forgotten in our society. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we have achieved significant progress toward this goal. Many people with disabilities have advanced their careers and pursued their dreams through unprecedented access to public places and increased integration into the workforce. Sadly, though, many young people with disabilities seeking to enter the workforce are hindered by the lack of career development opportunities, such as internships, after-school programs, and mentoring relationships.

Disability Mentoring Day is an opportunity for young people with disabilities to gain firsthand exposure to many of the career options available to them. It also provides a chance for business professionals to discover the talent and productivity that people with disabilities contribute to any company. I commend the young people who are participating in this event for your courage and drive to succeed in the face of challenges. I also applaud the AAPD, and all who serve as mentors, for your commitment to creating these unique opportunities.

I am confident that implementing my New Freedom Initiative, in cooperation with organizations like yours, will increase access to education, technologies, and services that help people disabilities realize their full potential. By working together, we can ensure that everyone with a disability enjoys the respect that all citizens deserve.

Laura joins me in sending best wishes for a successful day,

George W. Bush

President, United States of America