Oct. 1, 2008 – Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Month in the territory.
In 1945, the United States Congress passed Resolution No. 176, designating the first week of October of each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1988, it expanded the week to a month and changed the name.
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and it sets the standard that Americans with disabilities are integral, contributing, productive and valued citizens of our nation and this territory.
The Virgin Islands is fully committed to the provisions of the ADA. It is important we recognize the tremendous value and potential of people with disabilities. Today, many of the barriers facing them are being knocked down, thereby opening up new avenues and providing opportunities for advancement.
Gov. deJongh calls upon residents and businesses of the territory to join with him in observance of this occasion and to reaffirm our commitment to fulfill the spirit of ADA, further ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy full participation in the mainstream of life.
